Well, a day or so after calling this solved… it failed again (with no changes to code).
While re-testing ad-nauseum (new sketches/app projects; cloud and local server; Ethernet and USB; Uno, Mega and ProMicro; and three different Androids…) I was about to re-open the issue. Yes, I am tenacious… or perhaps a pain in the 
Then while working on a unrelated virtual LED chase routine (with the basic colours), I accidentally merged some code and Eureka! A virtual LED changed colour & intensity as it should!!
I since realized that all I needed to do (for now at least) is include a Blynk.virtualWrite(255) before or after each Blynk.setProperty() call (and it must be 255 even if the setProperty value represents a dim colour… it will still look proper).
i.e.
Blynk.setProperty(V0, "color", #2D0000); // Very dull/dim RED
Blynk.virtualWrite(V0, 255); // needs this line else nothing displays
If this was normal… then how did it work before?? (rhetorical)
If this is the NEW normal, then please update the DOCs
If it doesn’t make any sense, then I agree 
Anyhow, I am posting this addendum for any who follow with the same, or similar, issue while programming a virtual LED widget with the whole range of colour/intensity options.
I am calling this the New and Improved SOLVED!! 
And again, thank you for your time!