Hi George, I have just read the entire journal (took some time...) I would just like to say that i admire you for not giving up
I'm going to comment on your lighting period, 4 hrs in the evening will work well for you, it does in my tank but you might need to drop the intensity of your lights as well. I had algae problems in my tank and reducing the amount and duration worked really well. When the plants start to grow at an improved rate, which will happen, the photo period can be extended and the intensity raised.
Another bit of advise would be for you to increase the frequency of your water changes to daily or every other day, 50 - 70% would help you out no end. The equipment in your tank still looks as though it could do with being cleaned more often as it seems to have algae on it in every picture.
The tank really could do with more plants which would also help you out, you can get some good cheap quick growing plants in bulk from Ebay, here is a link for you
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/live-aquarium-plants
Another product i have used and will again if i have an algae outbreak is liquid carbon, i have used this at x3 dose.
Good luck with your tank, i have my fingers crossed for you.
Jim