Awesome... yes, there is a workaround, but
you have to dig a little bit:
1) Hit Tab to get into the Options mode in MAME
2) Under configure for this game only, select Service Mode (had
to scroll down to see that it was "F2" and not "9,0, or -")
3) Configure as needed
Works on Palmmame too -- hehheheh, just
got Palmmame version .20 and have Dangun Feveron
and DoDonpachi working on my portable now.

Thanks for the idea!