Hi Darin.  FWIW, we have been using Easisuite right and left to setup GS1 and GS2 cards this fall.  I can't imagine needing to setup all our farm information on Apex in order to use the GS equipment.

I know a lot of guys having trouble getting JD software to setup cards for the GS systems.  Consider yourself lucky if your first attempt with Apex was successful. 

At least when I have a problem with EasiSuite, I get a quick response from the guys that actually fix the problem.  Most of my problems and complaints with GS stuff just get lost...