Thanks for the ideas:
By the ECT you mean coolant temp sensor? I've hear of those going bad eventually. I suppose I could check mine with an Ohm-meter. My car is consistently high on the idle though, I don't get surging as described in the post you referenced. Useful reading though, appreciated.

As far as the EGR valve goes, I checked its functionality with a vacuum tester, now that's not to say it couldn't have internal leaks.
Purge Valve? That's new to me, part of the fuel tank?

Throttle Linkages: I had initially left the return spring off the actuator, but noticed it when there was almost no resistance on the pedal. Linkages should be good; I greased the ball and socket link that I had to remove to swap EA's. I am confident the throttle plate closes fully when released, I hear the micro switch close in the EA.

Is there a throttle full closed switch somewhere in the cabin? Pedal area maybe?