Steps to take if you are having trouble with the Replicator firmware 5.5

I am back to printing at an... acceptable print quality. There's still some dialing in to do but for now I'm no longer failing miserably. Here's what I did for anyone else who may have a similar problem:

• Under the "Model to GCode" dialog click "defaults" and click "Load Replicator Defaults".
• Under "Plastic" make sure your Filament diameter is accurate. This may take some fiddling. I find my prints work best at 1.79mm.
• Fix your Dimension plug-in settings:
• Select GCode->Edit Slicing Profiles...
• Duplicate your current settings to make a back up of the original... just in case.
• Select your original settings and click Edit...
• Click the Dimension button.
• Retraction speed 80mm/s (may be redundant)
• Retraction distance 0
• (EDIT:) Plug your makerbot into your computer, connect ReplicatorG and run the calibration script in ReplicatorG to center your build area.

That's what got me to where I am now. It's not perfect, but it's better. I'll get some pictures... just as soon as I figure out where I put that charging cable.