Yes. Did a Clear Data and Cache, turned off VPN and tried different servers, tried logging into both the Android account in settings and into the Playstore directly. Did all the power cycling stuff and changed to wi-fi from ethernet connection. Made sure everything is updated to latest versions. In both places, on the sign-in window when I click the sign-in box expecting to get the screen to enter user and password, it just flashes momentarily and then returns to the original sign0in screen.
As mentioned, I can log into the Playstore and see and install all purchased apps on my 3 other devices logged into my old account. On the X5, I'll just transfer with USB from my computer. With the Troypoint Toolbox and 3 other good appstores I have installed, I think I'm good to go for everything I would ever need without the Google PlayStore.
Was just the technical challenge to get it to work as designed that bugged me on a freezing indoor day. Do you think re-installing the Playststion app by overwriting is worth a try ?