9 minutes ago, BlindSquirrel said:

Just looking at the fluid, it looks like it was due for replacement for sure. It turns brown whenever moisture is present. I like your method of changing it, that's how I do it automobiles, with that bleeder. Did the fluid ever turn clear in your bleeder hose? Meaning, that all the old fluid is out and the new was flowing in. I do think you are on the right track with the Master cylinder.  

It was always a bit "tea colored"

I am thinking I did not get all the fluid out. Maybe it holds a total of 16 oz?

Clean brake fluid should be clear with a slight yellow tint (almost like gasoline). 
I tend to agree, there’s possibly a sticking master cylinder causing this.  There is also a small shock absorber in the actuator assembly to help keep pressure off the cylinder at regular tow operation.  Both of those are serviceable without full actuator replacement (see my previous posts in here, should be the service manual for them). 

Check the plug sockets that the relays go into to see if you have loose connections.

For sure the carbon or if you can spring for it the Syndicate.  Going to the carbon gets better materials and a fully adjustable fin.  I've got the carbon, and my neigbhor has the syndicate.  They ski pretty close, but the syndicate does have a slight performance edge, and both are pretty significant leaps over the standard omni.

Just looking at the fluid, it looks like it was due for replacement for sure. It turns brown whenever moisture is present. I like your method of changing it, that's how I do it automobiles, with that bleeder. Did the fluid ever turn clear in your bleeder hose? Meaning, that all the old fluid is out and the new was flowing in. I do think you are on the right track with the Master cylinder.