Good post...Another person also referenced this site to me:
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm
My vacuum at idle is low according to that site! ...I posted it up a while back (Sep 2010), but didn't get any responses on it.
I'll compare readings with my wagon too for reference.
I've never seen it greater than 14....
So either worn rings or exhaust restriction....I hope the later. I never overheated the engine, so I can't see why the rings would be toast?
With my compression being ~180psi, is it safe to say my rings are probably OK? I did the test dry too, did not squirt any oil in because the readings looked ok.
I have a VERY good feeling we are onto something here now!!