I've searched forum but didn't find relevant posts.
event logs show on most/all projects "Not requesting tasks: don't need (account manager prefs).
I've tried changing prefs locally and in Bam!,
removed any customized work preferences.
now I'm seeing (all projects) in event logs: can't fetch CPU: account manager prefs.
I'm baffled. My home PC is getting work fine. any help to get this system going is appreciated.

Try enabling "work_fetch_debug", it's under Options->Event Log options and see if that provides more details.

What does your initial event log entries report? Down to the "Checking active tasks". That should list where your preferences are being picked up from, CPU usage settings, work queue settings etc.

This post disconnect and reconnect BAM may help as well.

You say "now I'm seeing (all projects) in event logs: can't fetch CPU: account manager prefs.", it looks like you're only running MilkyWay@home? Are you using different accounts for each project? Have you signed into them all? Does BAM!::My Projects look correct?

interesting. Disconnected BAM and immediately got Milkyway and Einstein.
I'm using BAM based usr/pw across board.
I'll reconnect BAM, see what it does and report back after a day or two.