I'm no 'Master Bleeder' but I can tell you that I've never *had* to bench bleed a MC. Usually, I just remove the two bleed nipples and let them gravity bleed. I did two last week, both new and BONE dry. One MC started flowing within a minute. The other MC, one nipple took a few minutes, the other after 10 minutes or so. Once I get that far, I reinstall the nipples and bleed the rest of the system. Then finish off with last check at the MC.
Not saying thats the 'best' way, but I've had good luck with it.