I am trying to understand the idle parameters so that I do not have to trial/error quite so much, and the first thing that hit me is this:
Does Base Running Airflow have a physical meaning?

Initially, I thought that it did. My understanding was:
Base Running airflow is the mass flow rate that is expected to be seen across the engine when at idle RPM (for a given ECT). So this commands the electronic throttle control to calculate a blade open amount from this desired airflow along with other parameters (MAP, throttle body area, etc). This airflow is then trimmed with the LTIT and STIT PID loop. This sets a stable set-point that the spark-PID loop can use to enact it's fine control.

This sounds pretty reasonable, but then it logically follows that it cannot be true because...
Bigger cams seem to require more base running airflow to hold idle.
Bigger cams have lower VE at idle MAP&RPM - and therefor there should be less flow rate.
These statements contradict each other, do they not?

What am I missing here...