Quote - One more thought, you ARE aware of Normal rotation, so local rotation base is used? Just a click more, solves some drudgery... (Just a thought, I was re-reading your posting...)

 Not sure what you're refuring to. Sorry.
I've only ever animated complex models with Armatures. For simple objects that don't need armatures (ie: a box moving to different points and rotating), I would just keyframe, move and keyframe the new frame. In short, you lost me at "Normal rotation."  I know that the object will rotate around it's central point, but that's the only movement I've ever tried outside of using an armature.

I've still got a TON to learn.
Thanks for your help