I still wonder if checking the solder joints and swapping the drive cable might not be a good idea anyway.

If Rob says a 4231A chip is needed, then playing with the cable and header isn't going to improve anything. Unless they are also faulty. Of course when you're in there repairing the 4231A chip, that other stuff will get checked anyway, it's not really a question.

it appears the email addy I have for him is no longer working

The last correct email address I knew about is here, which changed recently. However as I understand it there's a bit of a pause in support for the moment. That's kind of up in the air.

You could see if Stu can help you or something...