So when you issue this command, AT+CWJAP_CUR="MySpectrumWiFi72-2G","xxxx", separately with the hardwired serial pins, does it connect?
And if you issue AT+CIFSR
does it give an ip? 192.168.xxx.xxx (home network)
try pinging that?
Edit: hmm. looks like I should have read your first post!!! Where you say that works. Honestly, I am not an eejit (idiot).