For example-

Let's say I have a bunch of keyframes oscillating a forearm bend parameter for a hammering motion. Well, say it's not hammering close enuf to the nail so I must grab the whole curve and move it up or down along the bend value grid, (whichever brings the hand-hammer closer to the nail). This will of course keep my "oscillation" waveform intact. 

Anyone know how to do this ?  Thanks!  

You may be able to select all the keyframes for that motion and then in the curve editor slide them up, I have never tried it though.

Yes that is possible. Highlight, then Ctrl+mouse left button drag.

This turorial illustrates:-
http://www.philc.net/tutorial7.htm 

This tutorial goes into more detail :-
http://www.philc.net/animation1.htm

Ha ha! That just shows how easily i give up and whine!
I had tried shift, and control/shift, and then came crying here! Ctrl works like a charm, just like you say PhilC! Thanks!  Great tutes you got there, and you've helped me more than once I'll tell ya.