Although weighing the refrigerant or using a graduated cylinder is much more accurate, charging to a clear sight glass is not an uncommon method for those who have no scale or cylinder.

The pressures don't indicate a bad TXV. When they fail they usually fail closed which causes the low side to go to a vacuum and the high side to come way down.

Indeed you should evacuate the system thoroughly to remove moisture, but as long as it was pulled down to 28" or so, it should not effect cooling. The overnight evacuation removes moisture to prevent acid formation so it is not to be considered unnecessary but I don't think it has to do with this particular problem.

I think you should check for the introduction of heat to the system from either the monovalve or a blend door.

Good luck,