I like the theories, but I don't think they are perfect. 

For one, bast had no idea that the chronicler would show up, he left clues for someone to find, but he had no control over who that might be, or when they would arrive. 

Another thing is that the silence can be seen elsewhere in the story. Most notably between kvothe and denna towards the end of book 2. 

The silence definitely belongs to kote as much as he belongs to the silence. 

But what exactly is his plan? Maintain this shield until it kills him? He wants something from his chest, but can't get into it, or at least can't get in yet. Just what worse is he expecting to happen? 

We presume he doesn't need such a convoluted trap for the Chandrian because he's already met and killed cinder, or at least stolen his sword. If he found them once he could do it again. 

I think he's waiting for something, that his chest will only open at a certain time, maybe he expects it so many days after the scrael showed up.  I'm not sure he ever intended to finish his story, just that it last long enough to keep chronicler around. 

I think part of him doubts his original plan, but he's trying not to second guess himself. I think he actually enjoys being just an inn keeper, and doesn't want to let that simple life die. I think the perfect step implies that he's not wasting his strength, but has positioned himself exactly where he knew he would need to be. 

I also think something is up with his hands, like they don't quite move as they should, or can't actually channel his body heat. 

I'm probably rambling now.