Finally did it... though not quite how I want it...
I have my BlackBerry tethered to my Linux laptop... BUT only to Windows7 running in VirtualBox. The missing ingredient was VirtualBox EXTENSIONS for USB support. Strangely, USB to the BB still isn't working; but it does work via a USB connected Bluetooth adapter ($13 from WalMart online).
No access for Linux yet; but getting closer. Of course, if I need to up/download a file, I can now do it via BB<->W7/VBox<->HardDrive<->Linux.
HTH
Great! Thanks for sharing!