re: T-ZERO DAYS until Italy, final logistics to-do list

Haven't read the entire thread, but are you using a guide at all in Rome? I've got the name of a fantastic Roman guide who speaks perfect English, has a larger than life and authentic Italian personality, can get you to the front of the line most everywhere you go, and can show you some of the best restaurants around.

Also, I highly recommend one of the food tours in Testaccio or Trastavere. I'd go with the one in Testaccio.

Gelateria La Romana is the best gelato in Rome. It's authentic (not the powdered stuff) and not known by most tourists since their locations tend to be in areas tourists don't frequent.