The Modem Distro site docs seem to have changed since I last used them. And I'm not convinced that the level of recovery that I performed was necessary because I didn't confirm that the modem wasn't booting, I just ASSumed, but I used the "qfirehose" app including opening up the phone and shorting two connection points while booting. Considering the fact that the phone works fine with PMOS I have to conclude that the phone and modem are in good working order.