UPDATE!

So....this mind boggling issue has had me searching for answers for the past few days. I tried to run the tank a few hours ago and as part of my frustration, I was being a little harsher than normal with the Tx. All of a sudden....the right motor kicks in!!!!! It was the Tx just as Craig had suggested. Now, I can recreate the problem which is a huge step.

Im going to open up the Tx again and do more cleaning. One thing I noticed is that these new Tx's use exposed wiper's like what would be inside a potentiometer. Im going to shoot some contact cleaner in there. The joysticks engage a sprocket that in turn engages the wiper. The wiper moves across the contact surface (again exposed) and sends the signal to move. I havent taken apart higher end Tx's but I cant imagine they are anything near as cheaply made. This thing is flimsy and toyish and not touch sensitive at all.Obviously VStank spent much of their capex in creating an incredibly detailed and aesthetically beautiful tank. Anyway....looks like problem solved...for now.