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On the back of the tone board is a grove, is this a point to line up with either the wedge or with the top of the insert? Or simply just a reference point that allows you to see where you like it tuned?

I'd call it a reference mark where you might want to line up wedge and toneboard. Some will find it just right, while others will want more or less reed exposed to lower or heighten pitch. How far the guts are then pushed into the insert will then have similar effect by tightening (crisper and seeming higher) or loosening (buzzier or seeming lower) the wedge's grip on the reed. Since Mark at Gander Valley shaves his reeds they're a bit thinner and, therefore, the guts are apt to seat deeper in his inserts than others might.

Fwiw, short calls like the XXX are generally a bit tougher to get the hang of than longer ones but wicked quick once you do. You'll have a PM shortly.

Thanks Rick, been playing with it and watching some videos Field Hudnall that have helped immensely. Did notice one side is shaved and the other, slightly wider side, is not. I've found some tunings that seem to run better but now just have to figure out what sound is 'right'.