thanks.
I think i got it. i can't give access at the moment i am only working local.
I had to set the module to display to a position and not a module.
It seems however doing this alters the inheritance of css as well as the row display of the data.
i see how i can create css subtemplates in module_k2_content in ja_builder. however that subthemeing does not seem to be nearly as much control as just inheritance via com_k2 page display.
I think my odd behaviour had to do with ja_builder capturing some free frame of data differently. This is why i asked about how it initiates a load on the page.
i think positions work fine for me in this case but i am wondering about if it could easily become a shortage of positions. position-1 and bottom-1 had nothing else occupying them .. but some of the positions or all positions are made for specific uses already.
thanks for your response.