So, recap done.
There was some goofyness with the wiring, looks like they extended the power connector with some 24awg wire that was wrapped around the original pins for the connector and wrapped in tape. I pulled them off, put them back in the original connector. The wire connected to the neck board (that usually has to be cut) pretty much just pulled out of the molex plug they put in.
The picture looks better, but still pretty dark. I can see colors now, but I had to crank the flyback and the contrast.
My diagonal lines are probably better described as descending horizontal lines. Now that I can see the screen better (still in the dark), I see what I can only describe as a horizontal ridge about a quarter of the length down from the top.
Overall, I kept saying "please don't make it worse". The experience wasn't too tragic. I'm down for trying more, but I have a suspicion I will need to find a place to send this one in.
found someone local who I hope can rejuvenate the tube.