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