Thanks so much for your comments!

I had read the Disconnecting 12 Volt thread. All I have lost during all the 12 volt drains and battery changes are the radio presets. I'm not really sure if the dealer did the re-initialization, but I'm not experiencing any changes in mileage or idle speed.

Interesting that the high-voltage (NiMH) battery actually starts the ICE. That explains why it starts instantly when it's jumped - just needs enough power to get the electronics going and the high voltage power kicks in. The NiMH battery has always been at near full charge on these occasions as I have a big downhill run to end my commute home. I guess this also indicates how dead the 12 volt battery has been; literally not enough to unlock the doors or power the ignition switch.

I am absolutely positive that I have had the car powered down correctly. I've experienced all of the various issues powering down... wife's key in car, left in accessory 1 or 2 mode, etc. I never leave the car with any of the alarms beeping and/or the doors unlocked. I’ve been paranoid about the discharging battery and am very careful. Unfortunately, I travel for business and cannot even leave this car at the airport. With security et al, it costs over $100 bucks to get a jump in the airport ramps.

Do you think it could possibly be in the charging system... voltage regulator, alternator, somehow not charging the 12 volt system? I've had no indications of that, but I'm out of ideas.

obrienklm