Retrieving or stowing an item is a minor action and using most items would be a standard action, so you are correct.
Also, to answer you question from the in game thread, the readied actions were an interrupt. So when Dunor's action was the trigger I had Shandien set to throw his side of the door open as well and attack. As Sword Burst missed this time, you are correct, it would be moot.
bhu, what do you mean about the new thread?