tried your method but it fails inside an Ubuntu VM.  Armory shows "Node Offline" but with the correct number of initial blocks as it must be seeing the previously running bitcoind.  i've unchecked the Setttings box that allows Armory to control bitcoind.  the background Armory Terminal  window shows "BDM is ready!" but no further blocks get appended to this window altho bitcoind is keeping up and appears to be running properly.  any help would be appreciated.