Still no luck with getting the engine started. My thoughs shifted away from spark and onto fuel since when I sprayed ether into the carb, it popped and coughted, so I assumed something was lighting it off.
Purchased a new facet fuel pump and plumbed it into the temporary flex fuel line I had rigged up to connect a gallon milk jug to the carb. Ran the pump and confirmed that fuel was reaching the carb, since there was a slight drip from the inlet fuel fitting; the line had twisted and loosened the connection. Everything hooked up, and still no attempt to start. Rats.