Firebird,
Did you rotate the distributor like I said to check if the spark is in the right place? I hate that you are trying to chase around everyone's ideas, but everyone is really trying to help you. Everyone also has their own techniques on this sort of problem. I would have liked to have had you set the timing at around 12-14 degrees BTDC, but 10 will probably do it. It may be a little slow. It does make a difference. If it is set at TDC and aligned up with #1 on the distributor cap it will definitely be too slow and hard to start.
I hate to mention it because I don't normally do it, but I am tempted to tell you to use starting fluid rather than a choke or pumping it. Starting fluid is less likely to flood it. It also would not have hurt to have a squirt of oil in each cylinder to enhance the compression. With all the gas that has been in there the rings are probably washed down and could cause compression to be slightly low. I wish that I could be there with you to help start it.
Ed
Ps, Tell your coworker I said he is goofy.