To properly set points, you would need a dwell meter. That would be considered a special tool in my book. You would also need to be able to rotate the lobes on the shaft to get the right place to set the gap opening in the first place. Not always an easy or accurate thing to do.
If my HEI module goes bad, I remove the 2 screws that hold down the module, unplug it, plug in the new one, screw it down, put the cap/rotor back on, and I'm done. You'd be lucky to be half way through changing the points by then...
If HEI is great for "heavy service" applications, why wouldn't it work great for everything all the time?
HEI is accurate all the time as it doesn't "wear out" like points, It can handle more voltage and so gives a hotter spark which it turn provides better combustion for more power and better fuel economy.
