Update
I did call again this morning -- and the brilliant CSR fixed it in literally 30 seconds. Sadly, it was over so quick I forgot to get her name to e-mail in about her. And even more sad to note that I would be moved to commend someone, for doing their job properly, not even going beyond the call of duty but just not being incompetent.
What amazed me about this process was the major inconsistencies in customer service, and what I presume is laziness in giving out false information rather than trying to sort something out.
Had I not been an FTer, I would have certainly given up after the second call, let alone the third or fourth!
tb