For the vents I use a paint can opener. The curved tip can be inserted from the inside of the lid. Just scrape back and forth. Use a wire brush to clean the soot off of the lid and barrel rim.
Stop with the 3-2-1 and temping the ribs! 225 to 250 until you get the bark you want. Then wrap if you want until probe tender. If no wrap, continue until it passes the bend test. That's it.