trilife:
Can I use the ESP8266 referred to in Item #1 and item #9, as an alternative to the ESP-01? If so, Amy tips and tricks...
yes but it is an overkill for this use. but to start, you could upload the AT firmware 1.7.x to it and use it with my WiFiEspAT library 
trilife:
Can I use the ESP8266 referred to in Item #1
Probably, but I have no experience with them. I have been assuming you were going to use the ESP8266-01
...R
Robin2:
Probably, but I have no experience with them. I have been assuming you were going to use the ESP8266-01...R
I'd like to, but it seems busted. And I saw a few comments on this forum saying I shouldn't bother with a ESP-01...
I measured all the pins after the adapter. They all seem to carry the correct voltages/ohms on the 01 proper...