Well I guess my two problems are not related after all. I performed the soldering procedure described at:
http://www.w-body.com/service/keyless-entry.html
Since then the keyless system has been working. I am not totally convinced that this was the whole problem -but since it is working I guess I better not fix it anymore
After the hassle of removing the backseat, 1/4 panel, and hat shelf I decided to relocate the remote receiver to the trunk. It receives the signals just fine and if there is a future problem it will be real easy to access. I wonder why they didn't put it in the trunk or easier place to begin with?
Something must still be a little haywire since I can pop the trunk in any gear or while the car is moving - not just in park like the owner's manual says. I guess the "fix" for that is - don't do it
My cruise control is still out but I think that is probably the switch on the steering post (gut feel). I am a little wary about pulling apart things around the airbag system.
Thanks for the pointer towards alldatadiy - might use it.
John Mc.