I know lots are reading this thread because they have same issue.  thought I'd report back latest.  All third party apps I tried to boost would just refresh the signal (and that wouldn't last long).  I can't figure out how to turn back up the power on the dials - so to speak.

I made it to a good Tier 2 support person.  After just a little trouble shooting she admitted there are others reporting same issue  and that it probably wasn't my settings/local network = O Rly?.    She did read notes  that patch is in the works.  No ETA. 

in meantime she wants new SIM for me and factory reboot.

No thanks on the factory reset.  Bring on the patch.  At least I got someone to admit. "known issue"