I'd definitely pay for that, if that is the case
. So, this is possible.
For right now, I'm going to just sit on my confusion for a few days and see what appears online. I keep hoping that I'll hear some steps that won't intimidate me (and will make it right). Honestly, It's even possible that my working hypothesis is wrong (though.....I've tried a lot by now....sigh).
I've never called microsoft about anything (I've never had a problem with my computer before that I couldn't figure out - so I sort of didn't even consider that). I should.
Those are two good suggestions