Were there certain years that outperformed the others because of these subtle changes?
As a matter of fact: yes. The CB550F and the CB550F1 performed best. Although the CB550F2 had the same 069A carbs, Honda
must have changed
something. The German press complained about less driveability in comparison with previous models and showed that also the older CB500K2 (G) that had been tested in 1976, perfomed better (see pic. below*). Must have something to do with the new regulations I guess. Remember that the CB550F2 was on the market in the same period as the CB550K3 with even leaner PD carbs, so probably the setting was somewhat adjusted. The only thing I've found is that some carb scheme's show an advised airscrew opening that went from 1
1/
2 (CB550F and CB550F1) to 1
3/
4 (CB550F2) but I don't know if that was the cause and if not there were other things.
* 'Beschleunigung' means acceleration and 'Höchstgeschwindigkeit' means topspeed. Source: Motorrad 18/1977.