If this problem came from a fuel pressure issue (such as you might get from a clogged fuel filter), it would probably be ok at idle/low speed and get worse with load.
Forgetting about the guy eyeballing the plugs and wires, how old are they?
Idle/low speed dropping/surging is what happens if you have a vacuum leak. If your friend has a vacuum gauge and knows anything about using it, he could tell you whether this is plausible within about 10 minutes or less.