"Intensifiers" like very, too, so, quite, rather, really are used to boost the meaning of an adverb or adjective. But, with rare exceptions, they don't. One of the first lessons in improving writing is to throw them out. All the adjectives Ken lists would be better writing if "very" was simply removed. Another, more descriptive word, as the synonyms you included, is even better. The word "even" in the last sentence is a cousin to an intensifier called a "qualifier." Sometimes more useful than an intensifier, it's still better when left out.
@Bob Kirk , not true. I have some very good friends who are Democrats. They are very smart. Well, for Democrats, they are very smart. They also are very good people; a bit misled but still, good people.