got the wiring/starting issue sorted...After retracing the whole harness and verifying everything was in its place, it came to mind to check the ignition switch to verify power was going in and coming out properly.
Power in - check...
Power out - only on start. Yet when key is returned to run it retains 12v to start and run
Took the switch apart and the triangular contact inside was mis-clocked. Reassembled and it works like a charm.
That was a brand new switch too!
