RR, personally I'd start by having the injectors cleaned. That way you are sure that they are able to be giving a nice even misting spray.
I haven't had mine done yet, but it is on my list for this winter once the snow flies.
My plugs also are a dark brown and my mileage is in the 30's local, and upper 40's on the highway.
It's also possible that the brown coloring could be from additives in the fuel that we get here in the mid-west.