Many thanks to everybody who replied, I really appreciate ya'll sharing of your knowledge.

I am amazed that T-Mar knew just how to interpret the serial number. How did you know this? I could not find any information such as this with basic Google searches, little to nothing in forums about a Bridgestone serial number starting with M. Perhaps I need to diversify my search platforms, hone in my search skills. But I came here and what turns up?!

Knowing the year, of course we can find the catalogue where my frame appears. Thanks again to T-Mar as I was looking in the 1989 catalogue, the M-9J sending me to a year ending in 9. All hail sheldonbrown.com! Indeed, the red and calligraphy lettering "Synergy" in the tiny snapshot of the top tube looks just like mine. (I will send some photos when I am allowed to, I have to make 10 posts first.)

As well I will send a photo of the sticker indicating Tange MTB.

Now with the catalogue I can compare my components to the original. Definitely not OEM on my bike. Handlebars and stem definitely changed, cranks have a Specialized ring(!).....It was from a co-op so perhaps it was just the frame that was donated. At any rate, I am loving riding this thing, ready for a Rivendell, someday.

Also thank you for chiming in on the price. I felt it was worth it for me to have the Bridgestone, Peterson geometry, totally affordable IMO, if not worth the cult following value. Tk