I wonder if it was the system.img file I used? I used the free-standing one -- NOT from HTC. Maybe the other one mentioned in the link works?
I had my friend download a couple of apps on his tablet, use Astro to back them up and email them to me. They all worked, so worst case, i can go to his house and spend an hour or so getting the apps I want.
As for apps.
AppBrain Market (doesn't run on eDGe anyway)
Unified Remote (still not found)
FlyerCam (cannot find)
Remote Web Desktop (Amazon)
imdb (Amazon)
Titanium Backup (Amazon doesn't have it - found on http://matrixrewriter.com/android/)
etc.

I'll keep banging on the emulator. Now it's a QUEST. (and it's only a flesh wound)