I've gotten pretty good at honing my seven blades and I haven't passed the HHT once. So don't let that bother you. I have passed the thumb nail test but I always rehone after that because I think it kills the honing I just did. I like the thumb pad test because I can tell if it's sharp without killing the edge. But as has been said, there is only one test that matters - shaving.

That looks like a really nice razor so keep at it if it doesn't drive you crazy. this is a lot of fun, but I think honing is the hardes skill to learn.