Brake pushrod length.... and other brake woes

Pushrod length is still important.
Even more with manual brakes where the pushrod should be locked in place into the MC or else it could fall out and leave you without brakes all together.

If you're real sure the MC has been bled properly (no more air appearing) I would open up the MC and have a look inside.
Not all new parts are put together properly and might as well be your problem.