SORRY for not getting to this point in less posts: So... turns out the functionally metadata version 1.0 AND the version that's close to this are the same enough as on FF and Opera my markup AND the 'replace' code example script WORK.
I have added to the top of the replace example script a couple of lines so that it will: 1) work with my flv player and 2) call all the flashvars I need WHICH includes the flv to actually play. 3) my html also have flashvar calls... I figure that something about my markup and the stuff I added to the top of the replace code is causing some weirdness. THOUGH WHY does it work in FF and opera WITH the version 1.0 metadata...??? I AM running the latest JQuery 1.2.6 ....... again....all good fun...truly! ???? So, back to the testing station!!!! ANY thoughts welcomed, of course!