I'll post my idea for how to use the reticule buttons later (though note that I did not suggest removing the right-click unit menu - secondary orders would stay there). I'll just point out that you are proving my point.
Perhaps what is need here is a clearer explanation of what it is that you are intending with these changes then, because clearly there is some confusion as to what this is intended to achieve, because....
Q: Why am I playing around with this?
A: I've long tried to find some way to visualize common unit actions for the player, to avoid depending on memorization of hotkeys from not easily accessible documentation and/or options. I think this is a very big problem for new and regular players both. I've tried various variations of the existing GUI widgets, but none looked even remotely acceptable to me. So I wondered if maybe the reticule could be used for this purpose.
makes it sound like you are trying to replace the unit menu, which as i already pointed out wont work, also note that my comments where based on the premise that you where trying to replace the right click unit menu in order to make it more accessible particularly for players new to the game.
In any event if you are not trying to replace the unit menu then what is it that you are trying to do ?
In case it is unclear exactly what a secondary order is, it is those behaviour states (in usually three choices) that you can set that are not unset by any other states or orders. Primary orders, on the other hand, you can only have one of at the same time (move, attack, patrol, build, etc.). I know these aren't the clearest terms, but it is how it is called in the code...
Well clearly that is not the definition pumpkin was using for secondary commands or half the buttons that are on the unit menu wouldn't be there. As far as i can tell secondary commands are all commands other then attack, move and stop, at least as far as combat units go, and things like hold fire, hold position, retreat at x damage are secondary states not secondary commands.
Clearly looking at the unit menu this was the definition that pumpkin used as well, and trying to make hold into a primary order instead of a secondary state only confuses matters further not to mention the fact that it just doesn't work as well either, although that is a discussion for another topic.