Looks like you've sorted it, so well done. I was about to offer a couple of suggestions (so I'll do that anyway, in the hope that someone reading the thread may benefit).
Many years ago (crikey time flies, it must be 40 years
) I had a similar problem getting a good bleed on a Dutton Melos I'd fitted with all-new pipes - my solution was the easi-bleed
and an assistant pressing the brake pedal at the same time (I'd tried both individually without success), and the fluid shot about 10 ft and got rid of the air
As for the pipe flarings I have an old Moprod flarer which is great, and this one from CBS appears to be a modern equivalent
https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/hand-h...e-flaring-tool