I have run, rebuilt, and bought & sold several Edelbrock 1404, 1405, and 1406 carbs over the years. But I never have bought a complete tuning kit, just a few pairs of metering rods, springs, and jets, along with pieces and parts from a couple rebuild kits. I have seen more than a few 14- series carbs that work pretty well with the "stock" jets, rods, and springs. Also have to say the gaskets are first rate, and rarely need replacing when the top is removed.
What I've heard, even from Holley proponents, is the AVS2 with its annual boosters is a great carb, and in many cases won't need any adjustments other than idle mixture, idle speed, and maybe seasonal choke adjustments. Like the 14-series, what it probably doesn't like is big cams that make low manifold vacuum. The 1916 off-road version has a spring-loaded needle & seat.
No reason at all to get a older generation 1406 when the 1906 AVS2 is only $16 more at Summit Racing. I can't see spending another $90 or so for the 1916, unless you do a lot of rough off-roading.