So, back on track.... I used 2.7.18, opened my only upgraded/current todays standards wallet, and electrum is just blank, password does not work as expected, seed unavailable.
as previously mentioned, I seem to know my password, as my previous tests show, but I may have to btc-recover the whole mess if cleanup of wallet is not possible.
cool to read the above stuff, but still wondering. thx
Lost in Electrum Land