Bleeding master cylinder

that's a very good point you make about the air could be elsewhere, I was assuming as I`d bled the system several times that it was where I couldn`t get at (in the cyl), maybe a big syringe full of fluid from the wheel pushing back is the way to go

However you feel you can do it without introducing more air.
The pressure bleeders are great, but not many regular people have one.
That's why I use the squeeze bottle.