As I never got a clear answer on my doc file issue (or spreadsheet), I am documenting my progress for others in my position.

I have discovered that if I save my Word doc files as text files [.txt] (of any kind), then the default app Notes will open them and the editing is pretty seamless. The 2008 File Manager Shared Folders gives an easy transfer vehicle, but its not very drag and drop friendly...more like copy and paste.

MaemoPad will NOT open the files.