So I used GParted to simultaneously move my system all the way "left" and resize... this should let me extend the partition in Windows 7 as needed. (Apparently Microsoft's limitation is extending partitions "left" because the start sector would change.)
Of course, moving the start sector will result in the obligatory "hey where's my startup disk" error...
So I used the instructions at HowToGeek to repair the installation.
All is right with the world again, though I have to agree with your assessment, Woody, that the "convert boot camp to VM" method implmented by VMWare is... well, piss poor.
Thanks again for your help, man.
-Brian