So... in beginning to test Monterey, I loaded it, then went to wipe it using Erase All Content (the new feature). On boot, it now boots to the logo and stay there with the fan on my MBP on high.
I have resent SMC, PRAM, and attempted to boot into most of the various startup options (recovery, Internet recovery, startup selector, diagnostics, etc.). So far, nothing gets me anywhere other than the Apple logo with the fan cranking.
Any suggestions or recommendation on this one? It's weird how completely DOA the system is now!