I'll have to get better at wrenching before I take it up as more than a hobby... turns out my jiggered rear derailleur was from routing the cable incorrectly. Oops. However, the guys at Cyclepath were very nice about it and THREE of them commented on the "sweet old bike."* So that is now my official favourite shop.
* I may also have been wearing a bike themed t-shirt... kind of a snug one
After riding the BRC around in one gear for a week, I am starting to appreciate the single speed thing. There's an elegance to it. *eyes Miyata thoughtfully*