Trying not to sound like a complete idiot but what do I gain from doing the desmog?
A number of things.
You won't have to worry about which lines go to which carbs. Only one will have a vacuum line/tube going to the petcock.
You won't have to worry about vacuum line leaks causing poor performance.
Cleans up the area over the carburetors.
It's a rather easy job that requires minimal to average experience and tools, requiring removal of the tank, airbox.
There are kits available from Red Eye (I believe), but I've only used stuff on hand and have done what's called a "Stealth Desmog" leaving the chrome tubes in place.
It's not for everyone.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/desmog.htm