Latest update. I have ordered the gear-driven 12 volt fuel pump from 5th Avenue. It comes with the recommended 30 micron filter. I will install that and give another update.
Sad part is I have another one of the low-pressure Carter pumps brand-new in the box behind the seat of the truck but I'm a bit leery(okay, a lot leery) of trying another. I'll save it for an emergency.
If I were running a high-pressure pump I would say that a return line would be necessary but not so much on low pressure. I guess I'm a good one to talk though, I'm the one having the problems with a low-pressure deal.