There is absolutely no problem in using paper wallets, if you know how to use it. Follow this...
1. Download BitAddress.org JS code from
https://github.com/pointbiz/bitaddress.org.
2. Run it in an offline computer and generate Address + Private Key.
3. Copy the Address in a text file and write down the Private Key by hand in your notebook.
4. Write the Private Key from your notebook to the text file by typing and run it through BitAddress.org JS code to see whether it generates back the same Address in the text file.
5. Now remove all traces of the Private Key, save the text file with Address and wipe out the temporary cache from your browser.
6. Download Coinb.in JS code from
https://github.com/OutCast3k/coinbin/ and use it to sweep fund received at the generated Address.
I follow the process you have outlined above but correct me if I'm wrong. The private key exists in your notebook written down correctly so that if anybody is able to copy it they will be able to steal your bitcoin (assuming they get a copy of the address as well). Which I understand you are saving in a separate place. So that's one method. Keeping the two items separate. I'm interested in obscuring the Private Key by jumbling it up. My question was would it be obvious to anyone if I jumbled it?
I was simply trying to understand how secure a private key would be if two of it's characters were swapped so that it was no longer correct. And if "what was done to the key would be obvious?". i.e. would it be obvious that the key was "almost" correct and just needed a couple of it's characters swapped back into place. I am banking on the fact that this will not be the case. That when the private key fails it will be anybody's guess as to why? Other then the fact that it is NOT the CORRECT private key. I'm simply wanting to confirm this.