I'm curious though, Retrolefty, what's the difference between connecting Aref and, well, not?
It's somewhat technical and one really needs to read the AVR data sheet as the whole analog reference section is a little complex but has a lot of flexibility. Basically the way the Arduino core software sets up analog reference voltage could result in damage if you have +5vdc wire to the AREF pin and execute the wrong internal command changing the reference set-up. Bottom line, leave AREF disconnected unless you have researched it's proper use.
Lefty