Yeah, bench-bleeding the master can help tremendously. Most people don't know what this is, but they usually supply(or used to) plastic adapters and tubing to go from M/C outlets looping right back to the reservoir. Pumping the M/C gets rid of a lot of bubbles this way. On some cars it's difficult to do, because of the brake fluid mess that will result from trying to neatly install a full M/C.
I almost forgot(OK I did forget) that raising one end of the car can also help in a stubborn bleed scenario. I can't remember which end I raised, but that helped also.
Also, if you completely fill the master, you can just slightly crack open the furthest bleeder, and GRAVITY bleed. You must put a long clear hose on the bleeder into a container a couple feet below the caliper. Raise the front of the car a foot or two compared to the rear. Wait. Try a couple hours, it takes a WHILE.
I've never had any luck with either vacuum or pressure bleeding. Maybe it's me.