Quote: "One idea I have is to energize the fuel pump with a jumper wire to pressurize the system, to allow me to at least minimize the air in the lines without cranking the engine..."

I do this all the time and use a remote momentary manual car start switch. Like this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-67406?seid=google&gclid=CJbbsKH5pLUCFQ-e4Aodbj8AwQ

I have one that is momentary and one I made that is manual. The manual one is easier as it allows you two hands for bleeding. One nice thing about the Mitsubishi based Westerbeke's is that to bleed you simply turn the key and listen to the clicks.... I love self bleeding engines...

Using a remote switch sure beats jumping up in the cockpit to turn the key, listen to the alarm etc. etc... Just press the button, click, click, click, open bleed screw clickclickclickclick, close bleed screw........