Gene,
OK your diagnosis was the key. I got started in an odd way based on the following error message:
Since I was just starting and knew I probably had to do basic solid modeling, I said yes. The "General Framing" object produced by the system can't be rotated. This seems more like a bug than a feature. When I went back into my test model and did, as your test suggested I found the following to be true:
I will submit this as odd behavior, perhaps a bug. I consider this answered as I can see my way forward on this little model. Bottom line is I drove my self into a cul-de-sac and did not realize it. Thanks to Eric and Gene.