I would have to say,
'there's a first time for everything'.
Found my problem, and looks like a defective leaking tank (bag).
I shot some vids last time I had service done for a head change. Will come in handy now that I'll need to get ink back through the line and to the damper.
That said, I'll try and edit the clips and post a link for others, who in time, may need to do this process when in a pinch.
My tech service is a 10hr round trip, arg.