Thanks, That link is where I found the original info.
I even went to the trouble to include an excerpt in my original question
and state why it did not seem to fix all my problems.

That's HALF the solution to the two questions.

Quoting that link...again...in more detail...
@ DEVICE PIC16F628,XT_OSC

The PIC type is optional, if it is included and you accidentally compile for a chip other than that specified (a 16F628 in this example), the compiler will report an error as a reminder you're potentially doing something wrong.

End Quote.

You'll notice that the PIC type does NOT appear to set the PIC type for the compiler.
It seems to only illicit an error if the compiler command line PIC type differs.
That's consistent with my attempts to use it. If I remove the PIC type from
the compiler command line, it defaults to 16F84 and I get the wrong includes
no matter what I put on the DEVICE line inside the .bas file.

I want to ACTUALLY set the PIC type INSIDE the .bas file INSTEAD of on the command line.
The PIC type would then NOT be included on the command line, but taken from the .bas file.
ALL the required parameters would be encapsulated inside the .bas file.
I'd need only one batch file to compile all my programs and I wouldn't have to guess
which parameters to use next year when I try to edit the program.

How do I do that?