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So if I'm understanding the symptoms correctly:
Key in ignition, turn to run, no normal dash/ignition lights.
Turn to start, no lights and no click, no engine turning over.

Connect the battery charger and magically things operate normally.

There have been cases with Ford where the connector for the ignition switch/dash bundle in/below the steering column develops a intermittent connectivity problem which displays the symptoms you describe. The higher charging voltage is just enough to bridge the poor connection.

Find this connector and next time it happens try wiggling it, pulling it apart and back together and see if that makes a difference before you connect the charger.