I am ecstatic!

1. Copied the fids/dyn data onto the CF via linux box
2. Put it back in the empeg
3. Restored dyn data
4. Ran fidsift.sh
5. Sync'd via Emplode
6. Loaded a new album via emplode and changed some config.ini bits
7. Rebooted a few times...zero issues(!)
8. Finally, flashed hijack v526 over v525+

It's flawless now.

Mark, you are a wonderful human. Massive thanks!
And thank you Tony, for all of the hints!