Smack me for taking it literally!
The first command initially returned
"Not a valid pnic: vmnic1
Removing from config file only"
The second command just returned no response. After checking the Client screen - no real change, I ran both commands again, this time both had no response, but refreshing the Client show the issue to be solved.
After hours I will switch the nic back to the cooler slot and try this again.
Many thanks for having the knowledge and caring to help me.