hi ron,

i read your terrific write-up and applaud you for the fine job.

i do have a comment that all anti-seize is not the same and the not so
secret ingredient for high pressure/high temp applications is nickel and not
graphite.
look at this offering:
https://www.ellsworth.com/products/by-manufacturer/bostik/lubricant-products/anti-seize/bostik-never-seez-pure-nickel-special-anti-seize-silver-1-lb-can/
this might do better than the stuff at napa and other car parts stores.
note in particular the resistance to salt and chemicals.
you can see other bostik never-seez products there as well, one of them
a nuclear grade.

i'd call bostik tech support for suggestions for the best reassembly grease.

cheers, bill