Had a similar problem with a different vehical years ago. Turn headlights on, extra load, did not like, Brake aplication, did not like! Rear two plugs lean, front okay. Solution IN MY case was a leaking diaphagm on the brake booster master. Fuel air mix was first sucked off the rear cylinders, leaning the mix, foward cylinders were better.
Second bet, do the comp test, these heads can have cracks/warps and leak between cylinders.
But I must say, if it makes you feel any better you have posed a good riddle.
Hirns(Aussie)