A couple of decades ago, there was a bloke here in Brisbane, Queensland knocking out MLM etc clearing rods,

I have a few of them , in the white, floating around here somewhere.

Sadly I have never owned a MLM and the only LE (not SMLE) I ever owned was an Australianicon "range-pattern" one that was a dubious shooter at best.

Given, also that "cleaning" / "clearing" rods were officially "discontinued" fairly early in the scheme of things, "retro-fitting" one seems a bit odd. Having one, original or repro, is just a conversation thing.

If you own a Mk 1 MLM that has NEVER seen a unit / field / base workshop since manufacture, a rod MAY be appropriate......