Ok, those are not little steps!
Try a 175. Buy a 178 if you can. I'm positive the 165 is going to be too lean. Don't use it for very long, or don't ride hard if you do.
Then try a N3EG needle! The likely reason you felt the need to go to a 35 on the pilot is because the needle is too rich.. The straight section of the needle (denoted by the last letter, F, G, H, W, etc) plays a significant part in the idle circuit. The stock N1EF is too rich all around.
I would not recommend the 35 pilot. It might respond really crisp but will generate excess heat and not have as much power. I am currently running a 42 pilot and 175 main. Currently testing a N3EG at the behest of another user here.