Agh!
I spent 8+ hours trying to solve an issue only to realize at the end it was a user-caused issue (that user being me). (aaa xD)
Well, happy that it's over and there's no issue.
Not all was wasted, things in general were improved and now i know about this 'issue' so i can better diagnose future related issues and/or help others if they experience this issue.
This'll make sense once post what I've been working on (hoping today/soon if all's well).