Jokohanho's suggestion is unique to my research and intriging. I'll have to re-read it a few times to get it clear in my little knoggin, but look like a worthy path. Now, if I can just find the utility to break out the separate MSIs from the new setup.exe business, I'll try it.
I've started a thread on this topic, too, with some of the history of my attempts.
Microsoft Word Has Not Been Installed for the Current User
Thanks,
-Kent S.
Be strong as a ship and wise as a whale.