So in case anyone runs into the same problem I did here's the solution:
In an attempt to fix/diagnose another problem (the grid wasn't exporting value list string values and if a filter was set, all the rows would get exported regardless of the filter), I used an overload of the Export Method. It was my mistake; I misread the overload as (workbook, grid, start row, end row) when it is in fact (workbook, grid, start row, start column).
I understand now what went wrong but in evaluating that error it's very ambiguous and confusing especially when my result set contains a column called "address"! Suggestion: reword the error to read (at least!) somethign like "Column index is out of range of valid values."
I will admit that in the end the error was of my own idiocy, but that being said I'm quite disappointed in the lack of any sort of response- nevermind help- with my post. You have a fabulous product and I can't begin to explain how pleased I am with the stability and features your controls provide- they stand head and shoulders above any of your competition. I, however, would have appreciated some-any sort of direction here even if it was to say "we can't help you here, please call this 800 number for x$/hr phone support"- I would have gladly paid to figure out my issue, but instead I got no response and (admittedly through my own doing with respect to the code) my customer ended up suffering- which I believe is the one thing we all should be working together to prevent.
</rant> Thanks for your time,
Fred.