well, after applying central note v24, things magically almost work. The new content got applied before I could run the IMport Analysis report. 
Good thing this was on Sandbox. 
Now trying it on our dev box - applied the RCD notes, still had to run the manual upload. Then the Preimport Analysis link came active. Pressed that, and BOOM.
Category ABAP Programming Error
Runtime Errors OBJECTS_OBJREF_NOT_ASSIGNED_NO
Except. CX_SY_REF_IS_INITIAL
Web Dynpro Component WDC_MAI_IMPORT_ANALYSIS
ABAP Program /1BCWDY/1G4V5KRLXPX69ZWTZGQP==CP
Application Component SV-SMG-MON-ALR-CFG
back to the drawing board. Guess I'll be updating central note here now too. oh well... another Friday shot.