it’s called base timing. the ecm works of of what the base timing is set at
just like base idle. set your base idle at 800 and the computer will try it’s best to keep it close to 800 but not to far from it’s stock presets. same for timing.
you say dickin around with timing is pointless? ever worked on a fuelie 5.0? adjust the timing to 25-30 degrees and see what happens. “dicking” with timing does make a difference.