I verified the image and signature with Debian role keys and SHA512. The media writes correctly and can be seen from Petiteboot with options for Default Install, Expert Install, Automated Install etc so there does not seem to be an issue with the any of my USB drives or the netinst ISO.
I am not as technically skilled as many of the people here, but I have tried enough things by now only to be able to conclude that there is either something wrong with the board firmware, or there is something wrong with Debian (how they have it configured in public images, perhaps).
The 6 month history of my experience looks like this:
Fully working system with Debian install, no issues 2019 through 2021 ----> Messed up petiteboot password ----> Reflashed PNOR to 1.0 firmware ----> could still boot and install linuxes but encountered graphical display issues (viewable but distorted) ----> upgraded entire firmware from 1.0 to 2.00 ----> Unable to boot (only Debian) ever since
It is the strangest issue I think I have ever seen in all my time working on computers. I am stumped and patiently awaiting my new Blackbird board that has been on back order since 2020. Once I have the new board in-hand, I will compare the issue between them. The real thing twisting the knife in my gut is that Raptor seem to have let go of all their support staff. I am totally on my own.
EDIT: to start the new year on a positive note, I am very lucky to have tons of computer hardware laying around from my work. This allowed me to fall back onto my next best trustworthy system, albeit x86, as a safety net while I sort this issue.
