These won't allow to select a full edge loop

1. Enable Auto Merge Vertices

2. Select a vertex with only 2 edges connected

3. Select > Select Similar > Amount of Adjacent Faces

4. Double tap G (vertex slide) and move the mouse a fair distance to one side. This moves all the selected vertices into one of their neighbouring ones, merging them automatically. Repeat the last 3 steps a few times since not all vertices seem to move.