As promised ... back with the test report.
The 'Test' module was expanded to include feeding Selector pull-down Menus with the results returned from the Auto-Load function. I used both the FS and SM modules of the Selectors. These were modified to handle feeds from a specific array.
The OS in question was both Win 7 & 8 ... but the focus centered more on the Win 8.1 system [BT'r main computer].
We began using the EXE format to eliminate any 'Host' influence. The test module was successful in all functions, including the feeding of both Selectors. Each performed as expected.
The Saved 'test file' was sent for comparison with my save. There is a definite difference in the layout format starting at the end of the first line [it appears]. The returned file is NOT compatible and generates a 'dump error' in my Ruby module. However, staying on our own systems this did not cause any internal errors and the Menus displayed and operated properly.
The 'ultimate' test followed as we then went to the VST format. Same code as before, slightly mod'd to allow VST export.
The results [using Reaper DAW].
Everything performed the same as the EXE version

YEAH
I had insured that the Selector Menus were completely BLANK in the test. If you clicked on them, neither did anything ... they acted frozen.
It wasn't till the Saved data Auto-Loaded that they Menus displayed, and actually performed as designed. Unloading and reloading the VST in the same Reaper session confirmed that Reaper did NOT alter the initial BLANK status. The data had to be Save to re-load ... then both Selectors worked.
So ... why the test is working ?? Good question
I had hope that something would have jumped out in my original coding of the Marshal routine. As I compared it to NuBeats, which was organized different than mine ... but if we looked just to the specific, basic code ... I could not find an error in my code. In fact, the frustration throughout all this was each design and flavor used worked without issue on my computer [WinXP].
Possible significance difference ... NuBeat had a 1.5 sec delay add to the Re-load command after the Save. I had a 'done' trigger in my Ruby code that triggered a Delay Prim of 500ms. Being 'Green' I wonder if a combination of things were messing the execution order or something ... this is a mystery ...
Regardless ... I am deeply grateful to NuBeat for not only rewriting the code, but then to provide a series of enhancements to also include a, type of, front-end replacement. It is the FS replacement to the SM core module, that easily ties into this fantastic Marshal routine. Which alone has provided a great solution to the way I was having to store and load multiple arrays of data that had dynamic allocation in entry size. For a NewB as me, this has drastically reduced the internal management I had concocted prior.
Of course, this is not the first time that NuBeat has taken something to a much refined level. Really ... thank you very much for all this ! And to be very fair ... there are the other GURU's who have been so generous with their time, knowledge, and examples that have help me convert a idea into a working tool. Now I'm feeling better that others may be able to use my project ! Well, this is the next step ...
I'm looking to transplant/replace my original section with this tested module into my project, hoping that we can finally get out of the gate and actually test the program in a working state.

All my BT'r has been able to do is see the GUI, parse the XML file, see the patch numbers ... but then nada ... just another pretty face that only a mudder would lov.
I also need to rest that last brain cell ... it took quite another frying these last couple weeks.
Even though I'm exhausted, I can appreciate some of the new things I have learned during this. I've also expanded my awareness of new things I need to explore. One of which was the XML parsing that I looked at. Only a very minor play, but I think this is an area I need to look at very closely. I only had a hint from trying to read in my XML file, but I saw some very powerful possibilities. Again, something I never really knew about ... and something I'll probably explore. But FIRST !!! Got to get this project running on the BT'r system
