[Adger Smith]

As with most instrumentation the end user is usually looking for a specific number rather than using the instrument as a diagnostic tool.
I have always used a leakdown to diagnose conditions. As said earlier Valve leakage, ring leakage and even head gasket condition.
All engines are not the same due to various clearance diffenences in cylinder wall and ring lands and end gaps for the specific aplication.
I remember when EGT gauges became the vogue.
I had customers telling me that EGT "Had to Be" XXXX number because the instructions sais so.
Put the engine on our dyno and tune it and the number didn't match what they said. Do a re tune to try to achieve their numbers and the power was way off...
I always leaked a fresh engine as I built it.. then re leak after a short run on the Dyno...
For the question about gas ports. I have never done a back to back, but it would seem they might leak a little more. However with ring seal being aided by the air pressure pressing the ring out against the cylinder wall and down against the ring land it might help static ring seal.