Godo advice Semi as always. But I think you have way too much time on your hands to type such a long article. Expecially with one finger. I bet your finger is pretty sore now.
The only comment I have is the checking for a loaded ML. Instead of sucking on the barrel (which appears to be your favorite method), you can just drop the ramrod down. If the sound is 'tinny' then it is unloaded, if it sounds more like a thud where the rod hits lead or copper then its loaded.
Good job Semi