1) Regarding the first reference blueprint used for display. I am sorry, which blueprint reference is this.? Since I can't see the cube selected maybe I am working with the 'wrong blueprint reference'. So, if I select the cube from the outliner, I may see it selected in the blueprint? Anyway, I need to reexamine what I have currently created, maybe a mess!
2) Somehow, I skipped a few steps. I will need to go back...... with the cube: so I deleted the top and bottom faces. I was successful with resizing the thickness. ... I am taking tomorrow off. No worries! I'll be back!