Glad you sorted it.
Re. plugging the EGR actuator vacuum port, there's no need to plug the port on the actuator, after removing the hose, but DO plug the hose that was on it!.
I don't think you need to plug the exhaust gas inlet on the EGR unit either, as with no vacuum, the EGR actuator will close off this inlet from the intake tract.
You could consider replacing the EGR unit entirely, for slightly better intake flow.
