Mr. Steady,
Sorry for the delay. I'm still not getting emails from the site - just tried the password reminder - no joy. I've got a shiny new (to me) IP which has no prior record at projecthoneypot... I guess it's the luck of the draw using a dynamic IP.
Anyway, I figured out why I was having problems with the Captcha. You only get one shot. If you get it wrong the first time (because you are impatient, bad typist, have trouble speaking Captcha, etc..) you get screwed. Using the back button or the "Back" link on the error page just results in the false hope of a second chance, only to be denied over and over and over no matter how careful you are. ;(
I'm pretty sure this is it, but then again, it's late - I'm tired. Could have fat-fingered several times and just thought I saw a pattern.
Sorry for any goose chases...