At WOT what is EBP pids?? if it's not at 45,50psi then there would be an Y-pipe or exhaust leak. Leaking y-pipe are very common.And by any chance when u pulled the VGT actuator out,did you try to manually move the vanes using a magnet? it will move freely.then you could rule out sticking vanes.
:clapping: Glad you found the problem! and yes open vanes is seen at high rpm's so there would be no exhaust restriction,at idle and light throttle there would be small gaps this build velocity of gasses when they meet the impeller.In turn increasing wheel speed=Boost. I seen a code for the FICM??