Finally! We have a Test!
I finally have a successful test of the system - including the JSON interface over websockets. It's a long time in coming, but it's here. I can hardly believe it. There are still a lot of things to work out, but we have something that the GUI guys can play with, and that's very important to move forward. I can push the guys to get the rest of the pieces done - or take them back and finish them myself.
Either way... I feel I can rest for 15 min and catch my breath. It's certainly put a smile on my face!