Yeah, I'll definitely do something next time. My nail trick didn't seem to work too well, or I didn't give it enough time.
Something I did do, after all was said and (I thought) done...
I tried starting, and it started, but immediately died. I was like "crrraaaap. Now what". So I started again, and it stayed this time. Went through this a couple times...then I notice the CEL was on, and it clicked. I forgot to plug that wire back into the air filter box after checking my filter. Plugged it back in and it fired up like a champ!
On a positive note, I found a K&N filter in the box...which iz nice.
Thanks again everyone!