"Angst": this is the first time here I've ever had to say this, but quite honestly, I think you'd be very wise in this particular case to give up. As you can read in my comments above, this was the worst-designed puzzle I've ever done, but I can't really help you any more without letting the cat out of the bag for everyone, and that's (quite rightly with a competition puzzle) not popular. How about trying today's Spectator (if you can either buy it or are on the list to receive it from someone on the other forum): same kind of level, no technical difficulties downloading & entering, generally enjoyable. Sorry to be such a "wet blanket" after you've tried so hard, but sometimes imho the game's just not worth it. Don't despair! It's just too, too complicated!