looks like procedural error on my part (!my bad)
[that is part of the 'jumping in' process // learning // experience ]
'
FWIW to other users going down the path:
a) when you create a project - open it up to 'logged on users'
b) if you will be using the "ssh/ git@???  for 'linking'
      you need to have a 'key logged in'
c) otherwise use the "https link" ---But you will have to enter your
      account credentials - each time git.d.o is accessed !!!
d)  I also went into one of the setup functions and turned off the
   "protected branches"  -- this may/maynot help with access
'
this is for folks doing packaging from their local repository (at home?!)