But I think you're missing a fundamental point, 43: On my reading of CASA's answers to my questions, CASA's opinion is that a flight for which the PIC meets the entirety of the direct costs of the flight is 'for hire or reward'. Please read my post #86 again, carefully. I know it's painful, but focus on the answers CASA gave to question 4 and 5, based on a scenario in which the PIC met the entirety of the direct costs.
I will shortly post a copy of my supplementary questions to CASA. Please read them carefully, too, as they try to tease out this issue.