Just wanted to close out this matter with my steps taken and end resolution:

1. Tried using System Restore - No good.
2. Tried re-registering ALL of the DLL's - No good
3. Tried re-installing Drivers - No good
4. Tried re-applying SP2 - No good
5. Re-loaded from Gateway Recovery CDs - Worked BUT; Oh such PAIN!

So I am back on with a working Tablet again with TIP functioning and I am just starting to re-load apps again. Needless to say I am MUCH more paranoid when I do this. I am currently working on establishing a script that will backup the necessary Reg Entries and also DLL versions so that I have another avenue to pursue in case System Restore craps out on me again. I am also thinking of adding Acronis as part of the backup plan and doing incremental image snap shots...

Really annoying that some higher level troubleshooting information is sadly lacking.