I log around 30 PID's when I log. I don't see how you can do that without SCT. And to be thorough when trying to diagnose something I would log as much as possible.
I would be interested in STFT's, measured AFR, Actual throttle angle, Fuel pressure at the rail, Misfire count, Knock senor, TIP and MAP pressure, in addition to normal things like RPM, Coolant temp, gear, IAT's, vehicle speed and spark and cam timing intake actul..
Popping can't be good and means something. I doubt the higer E would be a problem but the more you have the more your stft's and ltft's would read.