achman

It appears that I have prevailed and fixed the shifter (knock on fake wood)
A shot of Liquid Wrench and a beer later (my Liquid Wrench waiting timer) and the set screw came out, using a set of fold-out Allen keys and using the handle for leverage.
 
After taking the shitter (shifter) apart, as dar_on_ and zinz mentioned, the bottom (big) bushing appeared to be too long, which may have been preventing the snap ring from seating completely.
 
Also, I found the snap ring to possibly not be exerting enough outward pressure as it had been distorted sometime in the past. I corrected the bend, filed (as per dar_on_ ) the rubber bushing down on both sides by at least 1/4" if not more, and then reassembled the whole thing several times (most incorrect) until I was sure it fit. (Note to self--buy snap ring pliers). I also used two C-clips instead of one, as I think mine might be slightly too small not sure.
 
Once I put it together and couldn't pull it apart, I reassembled the shifter in the car (is that set screw a PITA or what, to get right) and waited a full two days for the bad MOJO to leak out of the garage before going on a test run. Everything worked perfectly.
 
Now I have Blunt shipping a new shift surround, the square BMW authentic rubber one (no popping out of gear I hope) and some other tidbits so I can make it to Lime Rock in time. Gerta was accepted to the Sunday in the Park Concours, but I'm just excited to drive it on the roads up there again. Come by and say hi if you attend...love to put some faces to names.
 
Also thanks to The Hack, it's after reading his book and blog that leads me to believe that I can do these things, and do them better than the mechanics that I have paid in the past...who have failed.