As follow-up, I have tried using the original dvd iso in rescue mode and confirmed the UUID signature of the filesystem in the kernel command is the same as dumped out when I issue the "blkid /dev/sda" command. The trouble is - there is only ONE kernel. I don't have any other old kernels to load.
When I examine root (hd0,0) it comes up as an ext4 partition - so that part seems to be assigned correctly.
Can this be recovered without major surgery? Should I try re-installing Workstation 9 and booting the cloned image - which for some reason seems to be toasted, too?