Damn those are some old old old ass tips. I heven't seen those posted in along time. The rubber hose is a joke, the tb opens 100% without the hose. Use some eashers for spacers and you will get rid of the slack. Tightening th epedal up is beneficial, won't gain you any power but as soon as you touch the pedal itopens the tb. I loved my car when I did this, it really changes the feel while driving but doe snothing for hp.

The weather stripping alows the underhood temps to be reduced and air to circulate more freely. Not sure about the 1hp gain but it is another beneficial thing to do.