first, i hate threads like this and i resisted reading it bc i just had a bad feeling about it. but since i was sucked into it bc of boredom, here goes.
first, 100% of the size of the port at the piston is fine. it is the number that i use. you can stuff spaghetti noodles into the post and against the piston. when it is full, pull it out, tie a string around the noodles, measure the length of string, and calculate the opening.
second, 10 small holes of equal diameter to 1 large hole will not flow as much air as the larger hole bc of the increased amount of edge to hole.
third, here is a link to carb tuning. read it carefully and you should be good to go.
http://www.madsens1.com/saw carb tune.htm
fourth, why all of the worry, work and drama for a 44cc saw when you say a 35cc would serve your needs?
fifth, 59 posts regarding a MM has to be a record and is a dubious distinction.