They do look lean, yes, but plugs can take a while to color up depending on how new they are and the oil/fuel mix you are using. You need to approach this the way Mikuni reccommends because it works.
If you don't tune in the right order, you'll find that you'll be chasing your tail trying to sort another problem out when you do fix that pesky midrange bog. Honestly, it will take you less time to tune the way Mikuni says than it would to try to troubleshoot an existing problem.
If you have a good range of jets and springs, you should be able to get your boat spot on in about an hour if everything else is in order.
If you don't tune in the right order, you'll find that you'll be chasing your tail trying to sort another problem out when you do fix that pesky midrange bog. Honestly, it will take you less time to tune the way Mikuni says than it would to try to troubleshoot an existing problem.
If you have a good range of jets and springs, you should be able to get your boat spot on in about an hour if everything else is in order.