Hi John,
ˇˇwhat could be a problem is having the BOB's output optoisolator being connected to another optoisolator inside the stepper driver/having the step signal passing through two optoisolators could distort the pulses too much at high step ratesˇˇ - does this mean I should remove the bridge from enbl+?
ˇˇwhat I need to confirm is the connection of the 10K resistor connected to the 74HC14 input/it was not clear from the photos if the resistor was a pull up to +5v or pull down to GNDˇˇ - how exactly can I help in confirming this?

P.S. although I have some general knowledge about diodes, capacitors and resistors, I.m struggling to wrap my head around schematics, so I.m sorry if my replies are quite banal. I very much welcome reading material to avoid pushing the limits of anyone.s patience. :)