(rant mode on)

Thanks for the advice and help, guys. I am feeling more than a little frustrated by this.

I cannot find a proper, inexpensive bleed kit for these brakes (the Park Tool dot kit costs $150). One thing I noticed is Promax is currently only using mineral oil and has dropped DOT 4 fluid. That is a clue, no?

The cable-actuated brakes will end up in the $200 range.

For that kind of money, I could go buy a whole bike (used). Plus, I wouldn't feel ripped off. Maybe that is what I am feeling right now, ripped off.

(rant mode off)