Yes, pink noise should be used, as it's more nearly similar to music in its spectral distribution than white noise is.

The improvement from the results before room equalization would be the most significant measure, not the +/- numbers themselves.

One point that isn't entirely clear is how you're making adjustments to room equalization. You speak of using Audyssey first and then your own "tweaks", but Audyssey room eq isn't tweakable.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.