Well, I found the problem.

First problem was definitely the wire harness, which I rebuilt, but got a no-start condition afterwards.

The answer is - when doing wiring and encountering a problem, don't just test once or twice, test at least 3 times. I had swapped pins 9 and 10 at the 44 pin engine harness connector block. This reversed my wires for the #1 and #2 coils.

Found the error with more continuity testing - started right up after i fixed it.

I feel like a boob - an entire wasted week.