How about posting a picture of the bike as it stands - may help us understand what the hell you are up to.
On my '71 750, I cannot get pressure with the bike on the center stand. Put it on the side stand and with 20 seconds of cranking - the red light goes out. No priming/vaseline crap.
I don't get why you are so focused on oil returning to the tank - you just need to see the oil pressure light go out to know you are good to go.