How am I minimizing my risk. The seller takes my check, let's it clear, I'm out my money. I believe a MO would even be worse. Risk was not minimized.

He minimizes his risk by WAITING until payment has arrived.

If he let's my check clear, I have 100% risk, he has 0% risk (although I guess you're right, he did minimize his risk)

If you feel you were slighted and dishonored by the deal why did you go through with it??

Dishonored? I was annoyed not dishonored. I admit that dishonored does sound more dramatic, which, I assume, was your purpose.

I cancelled the deal when he refused to immediately ship. How is that considered going through with it.

I don't care to continue this back and forth. Obviously you are not about to immediately ship (maybe to a close relative but not a fellow CCGTCC member). I trust my fellow members integrity.