@BERBSTER: vdr posted a new tonnage bar fix a few posts ago. I assumed this was to be installed after everything else and included improved fixes. I just installed it since I was ready to start a new campaign.
I removed it from JGSME now and it seems to work.
@kevinsue: yup, that's precisely what I was doing, but clicking on that tick mark would only give me the shaded operations area without the 'request mission' button. Date-control of missions shouldn't have been an issue as I was only trying to get the coastal waters mission after starting the first campaign.
Edit: next issue: CTD on exiting Brest harbour on first mission of "Black Pit" campaign. Arghh. Forgot to save/reload in bunker though, let's see if this fixes it..//update: it did
