I fixed a film leader to make that very same comparison not long ago, here it is compared to the good roll and a heavily fogged test strip. The fixed-only leader is purple; usually my developer washes out a lot of the color.
Regarding the flare, it isn't. I understand you probably haven't read all nine pages of this thread (yikes, it's already up to nine?), and I certainly don't blame you, but that was eliminated as a variable. Once again:
lab-developed films are perfectly fine; no fog, no edge defects. Thus, it is something in development. Also: the edge defects
only appear when the film is heavily fogged, like this. Of course they are not one and the same problem, but I do not think they are conflicting results at all. I suspect that the fog makes the inherent imperfection of roll-film tank agitation more noticeable, which results in edge defects like those you would find on over-agitated film. (Just a hypothesis, of course.)
Also, if you scan those unexposed test strips (like I have on previous pages), you will notice edge defects that aren't readily apparent to the naked eye because of the low contrast that comes along with a fogged negative.
I'm not sure how it could be radiation, unless it varies significantly from day to day, as I did have one successful role in this exact same location.
I believe I explained my reasoning with regards to underdevelopment in my previous post; is something wrong with my argument? Anyway, I use Rodinal 1:50 @68F for 11 minutes with Tri-X rated at 250-320.
[I apologize if I am coming across as a bit harsh. I am extremely frustrated by this problem, and nothing seems to make a difference. I really do appreciate you all trying to help.]