Its not stupid, I'll take any help I can get.
My voltages when powered are +5 at the test point D7, VCC on the max232 and at VDD on the Pic. The voltage at the VPP test point is 13.5 with no cable and 12.9V with the cable in.
I mentioned the dim led because it means "something" is coming through the serial cable.
Here's where I am right now:
Communication error when I try to connect to MPLAB or download the os for the 16F877
Voltages test good at the test points and at VDD
Serial cable is straight through and computer communicates with the Basic Stamp
Caps and Diodes around the max232 tested good.
Circuit is closed between the DE9 connector the max232 and the Pic, no visible solder bridges or bad joints.
The chip is oriented correctly with the notch to the top of the board.
Inchworm failed the loop back test
Maybe I'll set a gremlin trap and see if anything bites.