[Schurkey]

Agreed. Spark at the plug-end of the plug wire does not mean spark across the plug gap. Spark across the gap is what matters.

When I see a failed coil wire, I immediately suspect excessively-high ignition voltage due to failing plug wires, excessive plug gap, even excess rotor-to-distributor cap terminal gap. Failed coil wires are also associated with a worn-or-missing carbon button on the distributor cap, that touches the conductor in the rotor.

Fuel-fouled (or fouled for any other reason) can cause a no-start situation. "Worn" plugs may require more voltage than the system can produce; and/or cause misfire.

Be aware that the Vortec distributor has a known history of wearing-out the distributor gear, which does not change the ignition timing, but does change the alignment of the rotor tip-to-cap terminal, increasing the chances that the spark jumps to the wrong terminal. The plastic distributor also has a tendency to wear the bushings for the mainshaft.

As you know, low fuel pressure is another problem you need to address. How old is the fuel filter? How old is the pump? Is the pump getting proper voltage/current, or is the wire harness/relay in disrepair?