It would seem that I can not longer boot single user.

If I type '-s' at the boot blocks, and press return for /bin/sh
when I reach the shell selection prompt, the machine pauses
then marches forward with /etc/rc like I as if I issued fastboot
insted (ie it skips disk checks and goes to multi user).

Any ideas?

The console used to be marked as insecure, and I have since 
marked it as secure.  However, it make no difference...