I finally decided I needed to learn how to use the Node debugger -- I wish I had done it earlier. It's incredibly easy. And it's the same debugger you use when working on in-browser JavaScript.

When you run your app in #2, a browser tab opens with the debugger in it. The app is paused so you can set breakpoints. When you click the right-wedge to go, the app runs.

Beautiful job. Exactly as simple as it could possibly be.