Retarding base timing

[speED]

Has anyone ever experienced/ or know if it is possible to have fouled spark plugs(too rich) from retarding base timing too much.

[MonzaRacer]

Yep, I don't like using initial retard too much. My preference is too limit centrifical and vacuum advance too keep total in check.
I dial in appropriate initial then taylor the other two forms of advance.
See initial on daily driver is crutial, as is fine tuning idle also. Then keep working centrifical to get best power. Then dial in vacuum curve for mileage. I always run manifold vacuum for vac advance. This way it falls away asyour accelerating and not causing spark knock. Most people run cars way too retarded in my opinion for daily driving. As for small block checvy I dial in around 14-18 initial, use stock(in hei dist) weights and light springs or one light , one medium spring.
As long as it cranks without strain hot or cold, and doest buck starter its good. You can start 1t 10-12 and keep adding.
Now in drag racing I have used initial to soften the launch hit to tires, kind of like dialing in tire pressures and spacing on slapper bar air gap.