Let me update on this one. I changed the needle. I inspected the old one, and it looked no different than the new one, not that I could see without a microscope or magnifying glass.
I adjusted the upper thread tension.
I sewed for a little while with it today, then BOOMIt started up again! :(
I tried calling brother twice and left voicemails twice was promised I'd be called back twice.
Now, I'm trying to find out something online...it's a joke! It must be!