As you say, Staff to Pike wasn't difficult,once Tip turned out to be a false lead; nor was identifying Aubagne - Foreign Legion - Kepi and re-mixing it to confirm Pike. Was Chopra's dictionary web address (SKEPDIC.COM( also intended to head in this direction?
I'm still at a loss as to where to go for the rest of the clue though; perhaps my little grey cells are becoming tired, but I did finish both the Sunday Telegraph "Enigmatic" and the Observer "AZED" on Sunday. If I don't make a break through soon I'll read your solution with much interest