Thanks for all of the responses.  

A bit more tinkering and the 'magic' turns out to be Duplex = 2, linktolink = yes in rpt.conf, and not sure it matters but duplex=1 in simpleusb.conf.

Maybe that was obvious in some part of some documentation, but, often head-to-wall interface is part of the solution.

Now to get the RA-35 and/or RA-40 and/or the stellar DFM PiHat interface setup for the repeater chassis of interest and make more.

   3. AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (Jim Aspinwall No1PC)
  4. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub (Mike)
  5. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (David McGough)
   7. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (Jim Aspinwall No1PC)
  8. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (Brett Friermood)
  9. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (Kevin Babich)
  10. Re: AllStar as Repeater Controller Connect to Duplex Hub
      (ARS W5OMR)