Because the 0.8.6 client was NEVER deployed, the effective dates don't apply.
For a 0.9.x client that will be deployed, use a data that is in the future.
That struck me as the solution to this issue, thanks FrictionlessCoin for the suggestion.
Will be thinking over the downside, while cleaning up code today. Keep the brainstorming ideas coming, this has all been very helpful.
@kraizi - Some good questions, so ditto on them, from me. Trying to understand how to best handle the older clients issue.
@mmpool - Will setup 2 nodes as you suggest, reproducing the problem is my biggest hurdle to fixing it. Combined with the errors I'm seeing now, from being able to build the standard tests, it is starting to feel like we may actually be able to get this done. Also the git diff edits you've made, looks like in part, to get the test running, is most helpful. Thank you.
GR