Final report upon getting home: I picked up a rather nice Trek 930 in good condition, everything seems solid, everything works properly. It's definitely been ridden by the previous owner, but it shows signs of also having been cared for. A bit of corrosion on a few plated fasteners, but nothing that the bead blaster at work can't take care of. New brake shoes, new chain, and I should be ready to fly.
Got it out on my trail as soon as I got it home. Discovered three things very quickly: A. MTB riding is a lot different than a road bike, B. There just may be something to this index shifter stuff, and, C. I may have been a bit too enthusiastic in designing a couple of sections of my trail - at least until I learn how to ride the bloody thing.
Syke
Deranged Few M/C