I'm not so hot on ECM programming (although eager to dig up some equipment and try it myself... I can program in C, but I'm too fat/lazy/stoned/broke to get all the equipment at the moment). I can't say exactly what has been done to it except to say that it works fine below 185ºF

Explain the trans idle follower? I would it assume that in an auto, it kicks the idle up a little higher on coast to make up for the motor not being "turned" by the mechanical coupling to the wheels?
My hitlist is definitely focussing on the fuel delivery. The ECM doesn't seem to recognise anything wrong (which is strange. I will be re-checking my SES light wiring), but it's obviously running shit-rich at idle. So I'll be checking the regulator and the injectors... Just have to get a fuel pressure guage. I'd laugh if it was pump over-running.