Good idea.
I think that by upping the piston all up weight before you go anywhere else you will see the benefits (or otherwise) in increments. Only slight downside as we all know is the mere act of stripping the gun disturbs the lubes etc. Its near impossible not to disturb lubes on tasks like this.
Instinct tells me if you can improve things with the leather going synthetic will yield more improvements. However those with the leather fetish may (no, definitely, ) disagree
Dave