3.2 Carrera Cold Start Issues, Please Tell Us What Cured It

[Talewinds]

I started this thread as a result of pouring over many search result threads on cold start issues. There are many threads on the topic, albeit the vast majority cover the SC issues and few on the Carreras, however, I found none (maybe 1) of the threads where the original author came back to post the results and the cure.
On my new-to-me 88', during a cold start, I crank the engine and it always catches right away, revs to about 1k or so and then dies. I crank it again, it catches, runs for about a second longer this time and then dies. I try it a third time with the same result, and then I get fed up with it and use the throttle just slightly to keep it running on the fourth start after it catches. I DO get the hunting/bouncing idle for 10-20 seconds on startup after it wants to stay running. After the bouncing idle and all the other shenanigans for about the first 30 seconds she runs smooth and like a top.
I removed and cleaned the ICV, which really wasn't dirty, and I verified its operation using a 9v battery, although I do NOT know if the DME is controlling it properly when installed in the car.
The idle speed was set too high when I first got it, so I just lowered it down to about 900rpm but have not cold started it since doing so.

Can you folks please weigh in on your cures? Mucho appreciated.