Yes, daughtercard indeed. My next step is to do exactly that, clean/reseat. No RAM module, no modem. Disconnecting the HD did nothing but I didn't try the floppy. Guessed it wouldn't change anything.
I'll keep you informed on what I'll find when I get to remove the daughtercard.
No, not worth it. I told the seller about the DOA though, he repeated that hitting the reset switch would start it. I replied that it indeed does but it doesn't boot at all and that the auction clearly stated that the machine was at least loading the OS. Seems like it didn't like the ride with Canada Post. Waiting for a reply but not expecting anything.
In any case, having it DOA just takes it from a Great deal to a Fair deal. (and I wanted that mic for my LC)