Good news. Received my new HOTAS Warthog stick (and base) today from France. Once they actually got the process rolling the replacement was fairly quick. Just getting to that point was severely frustrating though. I plan to send in all of my shipping costs to see what gets reimbursed. I removed Kramer's stick that he was loaning me (thanks, thanks, thanks!!) and the new stick was instantly recognized and works perfectly (fingers crossed).
I'll be shipping Kramer's stick back to him tomorrow. Thanks to the community for all the suggestions, and especially Kramer for loaning me his stick, verifying my stick was dead, and shipping it up to Canada for me. That went above and beyond. Thanks also from the other members who offered me their sticks as well..you guys are great.

Here's to (hopefully) lots of happy Warthogging...
BeachAV8R