I was wondering if the "issues" were responsible, too.  Also, as with other search results on related topics, I figured that as soon as I posted about it things would start to appear...

As a participant in the Bitcoin economy for several months now, and as someone who has a technical background, I thought I had a good handle on the workings of Bitcoin.  This wasn't money I couldn't afford to lose, but it was sure disconcerting to be so confused.

Like most here I really want Bitcoin to succeed, but this situation of "maybe it will be confirmed, in an hour, three hours, today, tomorrow, next week, month, etc.," sure seems to be quite a high hurdle for the less technically-inclined individuals to understand and accept.  I'm starting to find this to be a big argument against the "Bitcoin is digital cash" analogy - cash never disappears indefinitely in the middle of a transaction.  "Where is my money?" is not comforting feeling to most, especially those who still think their internet comes from AOL 

I guess I'll chalk this up to a learning experience to be used in future Bitcoin-centric discussions.  For others' benefit, I'll post back when the transaction hits 6 confirms.

Thanks again, tysat!

zeroday - I've been discovering others' experiences and the requirement to contact support.  I'm just going to wait for now.  I'm at least a bit settled to see it appear on blockchain.info under my address.  I'm not too worried.  I've lost much more money in Vegas.