OK: Update....
SmartPool says they still can't find anything wrong, but.....
The motor's running "a little" slow so they are going to replace it (the motor has a 3 yr warranty, still active) and I should have it tomorrow (I'm not that far from Lakewood, NJ).

OK, if the motor has all the electronics in it I may be in business. "Slow motor". Yeah, I TOLD them it was slow--32fpm rather than 50fpm on the bottom. That means the pump is weaker too, which means it doesn't suck itself down to the floor, or to the walls, so it doesn't climb the walls. It all fits.

So...when it comes home I'll try it and let you know...

Maybe I'll be happy , maybe I'll be blue

(how did I calculate speed? My pool is 16' wide--I CLOCKED it with a stop-watch using the remote to direct it!)