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The ignition switch module certainly was a suspect. I presume you tried wiggling the key as you pulled it out as for intermittent problems that sometimes cures it. I'll tell you right now that I don't believe in replacing electrical parts for the heck of it -you should first isolate a problem through testing or a process of elimination or even using a bypass. Intermittent problems are often difficult to diagnose, but there are often inspections, cleanings, beatings, or bypasses that can point you to the problem. That's one of the reasons I always get the Volvo green electrical manuals for my bricks.
I agree that the headlight switch seems a likely candidate as it does have power from the battery to run the park lights, but I'm surprised it would be shorted or worn as it uses relatively low current and is seldom moved. I presume that moving or wiggling the switch doesn't make the problem go away. This actually might be worth replacement on spec as it's fairly cheap at ~$10Cdn used ($55 new) and there may be an additional benefit for you if you replace it with an older style switch as that will allow you to over-ride the DRL system when desired (assuming yours is permanent as you indicate). See this post for more info on that topic and tips on how to replace the switch without damaging the dash.
There are other components in the headlight system that, depending on model and year, have power directly from the battery rather than through the ignition switch. I'd be very suspicious of a sticky headlight relay as it draws a fairly high current and the contacts may arc and temporarily weld together. One quick way to help diagnose this is to keep the relay tray accessible. When the problem happens tap firmly on top of the relay to see if that fixes it. The headlight relay should be front row, 2nd from left. Another possibility is the momentary high beam flash portion of the turn signal switch. Try flicking the switch a few times when the problem happens to see if that makes it go away. That could be caused by either pitted contacts (especially if you often use high beams or the flash function) to internal grunge preventing the spring from returning. If that turns out to be the problem you might want to try flushing it with a contact cleaner before replacing it.
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Dave -not to be confused with a real expert
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