2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, Firstech CM-X Remote Start

Currently picking a fight with a 2009 VW Rabbit 2.5, standard key, manual xmsn. I have wired in a Firstech CM-X with a properly flashed Blade-AL, FT-DASII module (due to the manual xmsn), ADS-TBSL-VW1 transponder module, and paired up with a Q9 remote / RF kit. The install is a Type 1+, with all wiring done in accordance with the compustar instructions. The ADS-TBSL-VW1 transponder module has been successfully programmed and blinks green once on power up. The CM-X is flashed with the most current 1.44 firmware, and the Blade-AL is flashed with the latest VW1 firmware. So far everything powers up properly, but facing two (either related or unrelated) issues / observations: When programming the Blade-AL on the vehicle, instead of the long blue flash to indicate proper programming, I get a continual rapid blue flash. If I factory reset the Blade-AL, would I have to reflash/reprogram the ADS-TBSL-VW1 transponder again? The signals from the remotes communicate with the CM-X, (say example, if I lock the doors the module clicks and the key fob says "armed locked". However, the doors do not lock.) I tried setting the CM-X for double pulse, and separately tried to extend the pulse duration to see if that made a difference - which it did not. It feels like the Blade-AL is not communicating with the CANBUS. I double checked the wires (I made the connections at the DLC - so orange/brown pin 14 and orange/black pin 6) and they all looked good as well as tested for continuity and CANBUS resistance is 66 ohms at the DLC, which is to be expected. Nothing seems to work from the CM-X - no trunk release, no door locks, nothing. As well, when I attempted to do a tach learn it gave me a 3-2 error (key in ignition) - so I did the EZ Tach learn where I push the brake pedal on start for 30 seconds, and i did not get any flash to show good or bad tach signal - which would be sensed through the Blade-AL/CANBUS. If I attempt to carry out reservation mode, the vehicle shuts off when I turn the key to off, which either signals no tach input or no e-brake input - again both which would be sensed through the CANBUS/Blade-AL - so unsure if the Blade / CMX is communicating with the CANBUS. I am trying to avoid discrete wiring like the plague - however before I start to slice and dice, would anyone have any insight on this? Cheers One circuit at a time.