It seems to me that the emulsion tubes (aka needle jets) get stuck when carbs have not been used for a long period of time. Mine use to come down very easy: either they drop as soon as the main jet is removed, for others raising the slides by twisting the throttle is enough. With a little help of a toothpick that I stick in from below and then cant, I always managed to wiggle them out. All this can be done with the carbs in situ. BTW, most problems with our Honda's seem to derive from a long time of inactivity. That's my experience at least.
Allow me to make a remark on the O-rings at the T-joints. Mine seem to live for ever, but I keep the fuel system filled with gas during hibernation. If your carbs have been dry for a long period of time, it is not unusual they will leak initially. For testing however, just fill the fuellines and give it some time. In many occasions you will find the O-rings will swell up again and seal well.
