Well.. ??? I started printing single pdf's to combine. When only one sheet is selected, the option to "select all layouts in navigator" is available (nuts.. right?). So, I selected that and produced one sheet. Then, tried it with all selected, and it worked.
Sorry for the posting, but maybe someone else might run into the same issue, and this work around seems to joggle AC's memory.
I'm going back to sleep now.. thanks