For anybody else in a similar situation, let me answer my own questions.
- is a mc-router and a mc-gateway the same thing - YES
- does the current IDE still work with those version - YES
- can the firmware be updated on them - YES
- were there battery issues with the 1st gen - I haven't found any problems yet. They started out at 2.9 volts about 7 weeks ago, and they're now are 2.8 volts. I'm sending temperature, battery and status readings every 30 minutes.
- is the Kickstarter mc-module the same as the 100 - YES
- am I wasting my time - probably, but why would I make a value judgement
However, the mcModule110s are no longer available and the newer mcModule120s are not compatible with the old gateway. So if I want more I basically have to start from scratch. Bummer.