well, it was either what you said above, or the lights.. I'm inclined to believe it was primarily the lights. I swapped out my 240w veg led panel for a 240w flower that I've had for a year or so and used.. so the leds are a bit dimmer.. (thank god for poor quality control) the flower models are sfomething like 20% less efficient for veg than the veg panel, so now everything is good to go.. the dwc plant was the first to recover and is growing a new set of leaves nearly daily.. as well as substantial root growth..

thanks for all the help!