Might as well continue with the solution I found for both the PS3 and Comcast and the WZR-G300NH since I didn't receive one from Buffalo techs today.
Even after following directions in this thread and directions from phone tech support the router's wireless was NON-functional. So I had to complete the following:
1. From Web Interface: Initialize Airstation
2. Reset cable settings - Was running a "query" in diagnostics tab
3. Unplug modem/remove modem battery
4. Unplug router
5. Restart Modem - let it cycle
6. Restart Router - let it cycle
7. Back to diagnostic tab
8. Modem was "communicating"
9. Renamed MAC address (again)
10. Changed password (again)
11. Cycled router (again)
12. Back to the PS3
13. Set-up PS3 network connection by manually entering
14. PS3 connected to network
15. Laptop connected to network
I would hope this isn't a process which I'll have to complete regularly.
Total router set-up time from unpacking to operational wireless state: 29 hrs, 20 minutes
Total time spent working on connection by myself and with friend support, forum support, and live tech support - 10 hours
Thanks to the mod here on the forums for his help; it was appreciated.