...I am used to questions, they keep my mind sharp. I will let Artie speak for himself, but I get the feeling he has enjoyed this dialog and being able to help you as well.
For sure!
And that's despite the fact that after all we've gone through the answer has turned out to be precisely what I thought it would be at the outset, i.e. there's absolutely nothing wrong with Rita's MBP or its OS.
On the other hand, though, it has been quite a troubleshooting exercise, and we've at least determined that Macintosh HD needed to be repaired and have taken care of it, and we've also determined that Rita's external hasn't got any bad blocks, so she's set to upgrade to...something.
The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.
In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
