Holy smokes! Folks, this is just tremendous. I thought I was sideloading before, but this is the real thing. I see with this config change, the Home screen goes away, as do Kobo store sales pitches, etc. This is what I was wanting all along. I should be hanging out here more often instead of poking around for answers on Reddit or letting ChatGPT lead me on a wild goose chase.
THANK YOU!