Honda eu2000i Fuel Frustration

Edit - Fixed it. Thanks for your help u/-echo-chamber- , u/jw3cpo, u/jones5280, and everyone else who commented. I tore it back back down, and using my working unit as a template, discovered that I had re-installed the fuel pump backwards. after muttering a few choice words, I corrected the mistake and It fired right up after a good 20 pulls to prime it. After a throttle stop screw adjustment, it is running as good as new. Based on my order of operations, I think the root of the issue was a clogged fuel filter. I also ordered a couple of those kill switches, so the fuel cock can be used as a proper shutoff without killing the motor. ​

Hi all, as the title says, I have a eu2000i that is giving me fits. Hoping someone can give me a pointer or two for what to try next. Here's the situation:

Total hours on this unit are less than 20. The last time I ran it was around six months ago and I ran the fuel tank dry, as is my custom, before putting it back up.

Fast forward to about a month ago, I pulled it out and gave it a few ounces of fresh fuel to let it run a bit, which I've done every 5-6 months for years. It started fine but would sputter and die unless it was on full choke. My thought is that there must have been some old fuel left in the system somewhere that has it gummed up. That said, I'm using fresh fuel that is running fine in other motors for everything described in this post.

I pulled the carb, cleaned the bowl, main jet, and pilot jet (They were pretty darn clean but I cleaned them anyway). Confirmed float was moving freely. Reinstalled carb. Problem persisted.

Cleaned and reinstalled air filter elements. Problem persisted

Installed new o-rings and gaskets in the carb. Reinstalled. Problem persisted.

Cleaned the spark arrestor, which was pretty clean anyway. Reinstalled. Problem persisted.

Checked the spark plug for the hell of it. Looked fine. Reinstalled. Problem persisted.

Tried running it with the fuel cap off, in case cap breather might be clogged. Problem persisted.

Drained fuel, inspected fuel tank for residue. Found none. Cleaned the fuel filter (which was not dirty). Reinstalled. Problem persisted.

Pulled the fuel pump and checked for blockage. Found none. Reinstalled. Now the thing won't start at all. Perhaps I messed up somewhere along the line when I reinstalled the fuel pump. Not priming for some reason? I don't know. Got frustrated and put the thing back on the shelf to tackle again another day. I have a matching pair of these generators and the other one is running fine.

Fast forward to today. I've decided to pull it back down and take another swing at it. I assume I probably kinked a fuel line or botched reconnecting a wiring harness after pulling the fuel pump, which is why it isn't starting at all now. I also assume that once I do get it started again, it will continue to only run on full choke. Before I go back into tearing this thing down again, I figured I'd run it by this crew for additional ideas.

I ordered a knock-off carb and fuel pump off Amazon that will be here in a few days. My plan is to tear it back down, install the new parts, and pray.

Got any advice on what else you think it could be? Anything oddball that I should be looking for? What's that obvious issue I'm overlooking?

Thanks in advance!