following the tao of rue. everything has went well up until step 5. SWIMS solution was resting overnight and the alks have settled. SWIM is however a little confused on this step...after SWIM decants as far down to the alks as possible is SWIM supposed to filter the alks to collect or add the hot vinegar/water to the remaining liquid to retrieve?

Yes, filter at least to get most water out, no need for having it dry... Then add hot viegar/water to the alkaloids and keep going to further purify.

Let us know how it goes