Roger,
Every single story concerning the LDM and surrounding lore, stretches credulity a mite.

To the breaking point usually. That's because Dutch Hunters by definition are all born story tellers and sometimes habitual liars. My mother's uncle, Obie Stoker, was one of the biggest and best. Many legends are grounded in some truth, so you should not dismiss the whole story as being untrue. If your mind is open to all possibilities, you will not overlook that most important clue, which will help you find the mine. Do not believe that an Apache would never do this or that thing, although Peter did qualify his statement with Apache Chief. They hunted down their own relatives for the army, killing them in the battles. A number of them were also spies, reporting any plans, breaking of rules or dissatisfaction on the reservations. The Pimas, with enough motivation and the right leader, would enter the jaws of hell. Indian history is replete with this sort of activity.
The comment by Peter, that "The Thorne story simply did not occur as outlined by Bark.", is an - absolute - statement, leaving no room for maybe. He follows that with, " Thorne most likely came upon his gold.....",
which is an absolute, maybe. I prefer your version because the writer was closer in time to the event. You might say it is the best evidence. Don't mean to step on any toes here, but you might want to stay focused on your own theories. They are as good as anyone's.
This is all my own opinion and wil be subject to intense rebuttal, I am sure.
I could, of course, be wrong, which will be pointed out soon.
Joe