It looks like the responses that simply said to wait longer, and my learning about the kill switch are what I needed. I went shopping today and gassed up, and this is what I found: When starting out cold (I hadn't ridden since Sunday), I waited the longest I ever have for the boot-up because I didn't use The Card, then I just quickly poked Mode, like I always have (and as you do). First time I've ever started stone cold without it! YeeHaw! Next, I stopped for gas and used the Kill switch for the first time. Wonderful invention! Started up like any other normal machine. And, finally, after grabbing some groceries for about a half hour, she booted up faster than at home, but not super fast, so I just checked my impatience at the door and waited for the final screen to display. No Card! So, for now, at least, it looks like you kind folks have solved my problem. Thank you, all!
I have to add a fun thingie - as I pulled into the pumps today, an older gentleman, probably in his 80s, walked up to me and said, "Oooh, I've never seen one of these in person!" Turns out, he's got a HD trike and has done a lot of traveling with it. I was tickled that a Harley guy was so free with his compliments and interested in my "Spyke".
So I had a No Card Day and met a sweet man. Life is good.