Thanks for remembering this post when you saw a sale.

I never did report back on this. On whim, I searched some Youtube videos and found one showing how to pry open the screen bezel and once it was partially open, it showed what restraining bars and such had to be flipped and cables removed to fully open it. I can't be sure but the digitizer cable seemed loose when when I removed it. Sure enough, when I was done being curious and put it all back together, it worked!

For once, the laws of my last name were on vacation.

With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.