Hi Don,
I didn't get read that deeply into the specs but yes there is a pot top left of breadboard, however it is set on full swing towards ground 0v and i've tried just straight grounding pin 3 contrast and it works fine
The only downside to these displays is they seem quite thirsty on power especially when the backlight is used, mine is connected to a Duemilanove and ethernet shield and requires running off an external power supply, otherwise the display is dim, this setup draws 200ma without backlight and 350ma with
Shaun