Figured out that it's gotta be the Laser Tube going out. I won't bore you with the details.
Suffice it to say that I'm not quite ready to replace the tube yet, though, because:
1) It still cuts acrylic just fine...
2) I'm already having a hard time getting a resupply of trays, and I don't mind just needing to take a break from those for the fall, because
3) there is so much other stuff going on right now (mostly good), that I'm at peace with having to cut-back on work in this area.
Thanks for understanding! Love, Ann