When doing this, I get the results back, but incorrect (same results as my very initial attempts...)
Show xref-table fragment for objects 1-10, or, better yet, provide a link to the test file. + Your approach to PDF hacking is seriously flawed, listen to what AM says and use proper API (CAM::PDF). You don't need to manually touch, contract or edit xref-table after deleting an object because it's done for you automatically, that's what API's for. Only pay attention that deleteObject is among "deeper utilities" for a reason -- one generally doesn't need to call it neither; unused objects will be cleansed for you automatically, too.