Hi Dean,
I would:
(maybe mask front and binding before timber mate slurry)
For step 4 - after grain fills only sand up to 240 g (only up to 240 g before staining).
Maybe step 5.2 - after staining you may need to scrape the binding of any stain.
With 6 and 7 you will probably want to lightly sand the front also (to level the tru-oil and remove any debris)
Regards
Trevor