Better

Well, things got better, later. Fifteen opened up around 2200z and I was able to work ZL, PY, a couple KH6s, HI, and a couple of JAs (!).

About an hour later (just now), I got Jim, on Raratonga (E5/s). I've worked him before and QSLed him direct. He sent back a nice card, of course, but also a coin from the Cook Islands. Very classy. :)