This post is destined to gather dust and languish.
Testing the ability to post from the new version.
I was able to post from this current version, but attempting to post to this database from the new version results in a server error.
We've also tested cloning the database and posting to the clone works.
The decision is we'll be taking the site down for short maintenance and clone the database. Then launch the new version with the clone. Hopefully this bypasses the unusual error that crops up. This error is pretty strange, and we suspect the current database may have something glitchy that isn't passed on to clones.