No, it doesn’t pass the smell test. Is that argument enough? ἢ has an ordinary meaning that fits the context here. You can always find that x means y in a certain context, but to transfer that meaning to another context where that meaning is far-fetched and seems to turn the text on its head is likely the result of an agenda. Feminist readings do indeed seem drawn to this method. A similar attempt to make Paul seem to say the opposite of what the Greek seems to say was discussed here:
http://discourse.textkit.com/t/does-paynes-take-on-1-tim-2-12-pass-the-smell-test/12208/1
How would you translate the ἤ in verse 36?
I wouldn’t translate it. I learned Ancient Greek so I would not have to translate stuff like this.