I manually imported with myPHPadmin as mentioned by BrentonKing. But got a duplicate entry error. Deleted the table mentioned in duplicate. Imported again. Images still giving error but now more specifically, a missing column error on save. Went to the table, manually added the column ("file_class" for the record) images now saving ok.
Shop seems to function. Won't know for sure till it's tested a bit more. "install update tables STILL give a "increase execution time" error and I think I've given it more than enough time and memory in settings through my ISP so something must be wonky with that specific command for my setup. Hopefully there aren't any more missing columns.
BUT, I do also see a new green message box "Database Updated" under all the yellow errors that I either never noticed previous, or wasn't there. So perhaps it is complete?
These errors ALSO come up if I try to re-install the component via a local directory vs upload through browser.
Assume no news is good news from me on this topic going forward. Thanks everybody!