My first thought when reading initial post, was to release bleeder valve, or better yet 'crack' hydraulic line at wheels when they are locked. However John K. Had posted to 'crack' line at MC. I could live with that so canned that thought.

However after all you have gone thru and all the thoughts from members thrown out in this saga, what have you got to lose to give this a try.

Another thing that I would try is to take a very thin wheel spacer(say 1/8th), pull drum, place on axle, replace drum, wheel, torque down, do your testing. Does this resolve problem. If so, gives an excellent clue as to where problem lies.