It looks likes they're in the closed position from the look of the rods. I would suggest checking to see if they just ended up removing the sleeves. I think you'd be able to tell if they did or not by driving it; do you have to rev the engine before engaging the clutch to move up a hill or on flat ground? If so you may have the sleeves removed. If you're not sure, check. only a few nuts and bolts to undo and look at.

Aww, oh well, in that case I will just throw them in the garbage or something... if anyone needs a FREE set of actuators tell me before it's too late guys.

I have always questioned that as well.
One idea I had was to pinch the SAP somewhere along the way to the resonator to act as a restrictor. I would not pinch it all of the way, just enough to provide the proper resistance. Any thought as to why this would be a bad idea?

Generating pressure from the pump. I tried it with limited success (used a plate with a very small hole in it what the line bolts to the cat). The pump is not always intelligent about when it pumps air into the exhaust. I had to do something to the ACV as well (I don't remember what it was - too long ago).

I did get it to work pretty well in the end, but I had to put a helper spring on the actuator in order to get it to open at 3500 rpm.

I looked at the other side of the engine, and there is a block off plate where the other actuator would go. I'm assuming the sleeves have been removed.