I can say without the artificial call to advanceNodeStage that the changes didn't work. However, I think I have an idea why that is, and also why I've been so confused by it. I'll do some more digging tonight when I have a chance and see if I can figure out why the advanceNodeStage is not being called again when the response is received. 

In the mean time, I do appreciate you holding my hand through this process. :-)