Didn't read the hole topic. But if your problem is that you pressed the lever with nothing between in, and the pads are stuck together. Then put the bike up and turn the reservoir (the bit on handlebars) that contain the fluid up 90 degree. Then open it but make sure you do that carefully or the liquid will come out. So take the top metal bit off and the plastic seal underneath it. And then take a screw diver, stick it between the pads and turn it to make the retract. Close the reservoir and your done.