you should be commended for your efforts and initiative pursuing and strengthening your approach to opsec on at least the technical side.

the same inquisitive nature should have also prompted research using public available materials and resources.

i would offer this up if i were to actively assist someone like yourself.

I will not trivialize what youve attempted to accomplish and in my opinion your efforts are laudable and rare among this community. The knowledge that you have gained learning these aspects of opsec and hardening your system are valuable and will lead to even more discoveries that with the right attitude and effort you could monetize.

but....

unless you are a dnm operator, vendor, or heavy bulk reseller i am of the opinion that it does not matter as a buyer.

do you believe that your purchases would warrant hardware forensic specialists to extract incriminating evidence from an encrypted device. That would entail you doing something far more nefarious than buying any narcotic ever would. what youve attempted is akin to using a tank for protection from sharks. sure as shit it will work but its a bit overkill.

your greatest risk and exposure begins with your vendor selection and your orders shipping/arrival.

but if you spend a 1/4 as much time investigating/researching/inquiring about possible vendors you should be good. Compound that with your hardware and youre set.

the thing is...your adversaries do not have unlimited resources at the local and state levels. they cannot expend those resources on forensics experts unless youve really gone out of your way to draw attention to your actions.

This is just my opinion but their are affidavits and other legal resources that you can find that will give you an idea of what exactly you would face if the state should bring criminal proceeding against you.

I have found very little that concerns me regarding the hardware aspect.

I use a hidden volume on a usb drive for tor and storing keys and assorted misc stuff.

during a bust they may or may not seize data storage devices but unless the NSA is interested im highly doubtful the state would be able to crack even rudimentary encryption.

theres the rub...the state doesnt need to because they caught me with something illegal and will prosecute based on what they believe at the time of detention they think they can prove. a prosecutor is not going to blow through their budget on a fishing expedition.

A forensic specialist can run the state $200 to $500 an hour for this type of thing.

a bit long winded but to close...

you have admirably gone way overboard and while your efforts are commendable and the knowledge gained valuable they are unnecessary unless you elevate your status from simple user to big time dealer, vendor, or dnm operator.

caveat...my opinion does not apply to financial crimes such a carding, etc. just drugs and what not.

be quick and stay safe