I started a thread in the Compiler forum - which has run its' course - with the suggestion to try another forum so tag you are it.
i'm going insane trying to figure out why these simple volatile accesses are not happening in order.
if this link does not work after this initial post then i'll tell my story all over again.
thanks
http://e2e.ti.com/support/development_tools/compiler/f/343/p/198996/708750.aspx#708750