So, here is where I am currently... minimum optimization, no compression of DATA:
1912 BYTES OF STACK FREE
17059 OF PROGRAM SPACE FREE
So I'm significantly over my limit for a tape-only cassette release, but the program is basically done... All elements are in place, and it functions as it should. At this point, I'll just be optimizing, cleaning up code, working on eliminating unnecessary elements of displays, etc.
The DATA compression is something I'm not super familiar with, but I'm willing to look into it. Basically, I have to determine whether an un-packing routine in the main program would be small enough to give me some significant gains in space. Being as most of my DATA is text which I must display onscreen, I doubt that much compression can be done to eliminate the 3,429 bytes I need to lose in order to fit this onto tape.
But, let me just clarify something here--to be 100% sure before I start slashing features...
The 13,928 BYTES that seniorfalcon mentioned earlier.... That is literally ALL that I can use... PROGRAM lines, string variables, everything... all told, that's all I get... am I reading that correctly? If so, I will be unable to continue with this project as it is currently configured, because there is truly no way to eliminate 3,429 bytes of program/stack space from this thing.
When using Win994a, with no 32k attached and no disk system installed, I get a SIZE return of 13928.
Is this just PROGRAM space available, or are there any crevasses I can cram additional DATA into? 
Edited by Opry99er, Wed Jan 17, 2018 12:53 AM.