Oh frustration...
The new caps have been installed. HV is down where it should be (as is focus voltage per the "corrected" Sam's). Focus is now worse than ever. Best focus is now at the extreme clockwise (it was almost perfectly centered earlier). Whereas before, the picture was "watchable" it's now a blurry mess. Although, as before, lower brightness does improve the focus, but anything approaching normal requires an almost invisible picture.
Photos show a dark and "normal" screen HV readings
Beyond the safety caps, I did notice a 10mfd @300v cap right next to one of the "middle chassis" safety caps that had to be open, it pretty much fell apart in my hands. Luckily I have a decent electronics store at literal walking distance, so I was able to buy this cap in a 350v rating. I don't have my laptop/Sams nearby, so I'm not sure which circuit this involves.
I'd be inclined to think I really screwed something up except that by "specifications", (HV and focus V readings), I'm better than before. What gives?!