Thanks for all the comments, and particularly the rational logic from Al.
New decision:

I ordered an AN12 male to female 45 degree fitting, that I can put inline
with the hose from the engine to the oil cooler.  I should be able to tap
this for 1/8" NPT, and install a 150 psi pressure sender (also ordered).  I
may, or may not fly it this way, but at least I'll know what the true
pressure is at the evap core.  If it's less than 100, I'll just carry on
with the current configuration, and believe that my original core failed
because it was damage.  I don't believe the evap core is restrictive, but I'll find out for sure
with my pressure test.  I'll actually be measuring the core, and filter
together, so it's really worst case. As for temps, I can believe that the cruise temp should be less than 210 for
sure, but perhaps it's reasonable to allow the climb temp to go to maybe 230
for a few minutes.  How long can that possibly shorten the life of the
seals?  If you figure the engine is good for at least 2000 hours under
normal conditions, that will be about 5 lifetimes for me, so I think I can
stand a little reduction in TBO. Cheers,
Rusty (much better now)