Success, finally!!!
After testing everything that I could think of, I decided to let the pros take over. First, I'd like to thank Tom Lucas at FE Specialties for his help and generosity. After checking everthing that I'd checked, and correcting a few things that I'd done suboptimally
, he figured out that the MSD digital 6 will not send a reliable signal unless the engine is turning above 200 rpm. It just so happens that the McLeod mini starter I was using turns the motor at about that speed. The two are not compatible.
So thats it, I'm on the road as of Friday, but thats another thread.
BTW, Tom was very generous, and I know he didn't charge me for nearly as much time as he had in the car. In that vein, I'd like to thank Maurice L for his numerous hours of help, all of which he gave while only accepting glasses of water and one lunch at Subways.
ps. I did my first real burnout today...priceless.