How many (miles of vacuum hose) must a man walk down?

Oh, boy. I knew there was some spaghetti under the hood of this car, but until I did some research into the actual components connected to that string-theory of an engine I didn't really know.

To be inexact, the Oldsmobile, 307 cubic-inch, electronically carbureted (sounds stupid when you say it) engine has 25 or more feet of hose (of various sizes) under the hood. That's an estimate based on the amount I've used to replace some of the most cracked and worn hose plus a guesstimate of the remaining hoses. It's a lot. And they're not in friendly places to reach, either.

I wanted to get into this because a) the car is 28 years old and, shit, something probably leaks somewhere, b) I don't know what's already been done by the previous owner, c) it's disgusting ugly under there, d) there were some interesting things going on with the idle and stalling after the engine had been stopped and started hot, then finally e) I wanted to understand the how and why all the hose was there in the first place. Y'know, really understand the vacuum diagram posted on the radiator cowl and what each component is and does. This new learning will help when I have to take it all off later trying to replace head gaskets, intake manifolds, and valve covers later....

Also, side note: I was quoted by a professional restoration shop for body work and repainting of everything. Top to bottom, rust repair, refinish, clear coat; the works. $15,000. The very awesome dude said (and I paraphrase here), "I wouldn't recommend doing all that though. I would focus on the major trouble spots that will cost you down the line." These 'trouble spots', as he called them, included the roof, hood, and the bumper filler on the rear quarter. The recommended option was to keep as much original as possible to retain value on the vehicle for future sale. I agree, but not for the value reason. Simply because they quoted only $3000 for that work.

Anyway, the dialogue between me and this engine compartment begins. I'll try to include photos of the process below. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before.