On this journey I have learned that sometimes the little things will cost a friend a fortune! The issue: Previous Shade tree mechanic installed a bolt on the brake pedal to keep the rear lights from staying on instead of using the correct piece (little plastic piece) on the brake light switch, therefore allowing the pedal to ride closer to the floor and the pads to always ride on the rotor. I uninstalled the bolt from the pedal, purchased the Dorman piece (74015) that is just like the OEM piece, bleed all the brakes and now everything is working.

 

I bet they got the idea from an ericthecarguy video.

 

I hope ericthecarguy didn't do that, I think he used to work for an Acura/Honda dealership....
The crazy part about this is that the guy that installed the bolt is a full-time mechanic and he owns a '91 Accord....he should know better.

 

He should know better for ANY make of car. That's not a unique Honda thing.

Every master hydraulic cylinder has a small vent opening that only becomes open when the pedal is in the up position. That vent allows pressure (and fluid volume) to equalize back to the reservoir. My 72 Datsun had that. My parents 64, 67, and 69 Fords had it. It shouldn't be any kind of special surprise Honda invention...