The way the pilot adjust works on the PD carbs is a tapered needle into the final delivery port to the carb throat. Turning it all the way in effectively shuts off the entire pilot circuit. This only leaves the slide needle exit to provide any fuel to the motor, which should be pretty near minimum for properly working carbs. The idle mix should be dominated by the pilot circuit.
It shouldn't even idle with the IMS screws turned all the way in. This is a problem to be corrected. Are the needles broken off at the tip? Are the exit holes now blocked or elongated?
Popping on decel is either leaky exhaust gaskets, or a too lean idle mix.
The main jet sizing is done with the throttle in the 3/4 to WOT range. The slide needle further restricts fuel flow regulating between 1/4 and 3/4 throttle position. While there is some bleed over from main, Slide needle and pilot circuits, relying on a main change to fix and idle or mid-range issue, is simply the wrong approach. The main is selected to provide for the maximum demand at WOT. The slide needles are set to provide optimum fuel at 1/2 throttle position. The needle taper angle then sets the mixture for 3/4 and 1/4 throttle position. And the pilot/IMS is set for leanest idle mix. The accelerator pump provides for throttle twist reaction.
Cheers,