I did read online in another Apple Discussion thread that Migration Assistant is not meant for a recovery install - OK then so why does Apple present you with the option to bring back a user account RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REINSTALL PROCESS???

Further - the Apple ID confirmation process is pooched - it thinks I am Cornerbook, NFLD when my iPhone notifies me of the new account log-in - I am in Toronto [checking Date & Time pref and that shows correct location] and the Apple ID screen wouldn't accept the CORRECT PASSWORD or GO AWAY on numerous attempts, so I had that flapping in front of my face for some time as well - not impressed.

So the questions remain... and thanks for reading if you did in fact get through it all... I'm just trying to piece together what happened...

Can I do a complete reinstall of Big Sur by wiping the drive AND ONLY HAVING ONE PARTITION WHEN I DO???
Can I use a remote TimeMachine backup during the reinstall process - given that Apple presents me with this screen to do so - or are there reasons I should not???
What do I do now I have a clean install - albeit with two disk partitions - when Migration Assistant is not finding my remote backup?


I'd really rather be outside building a fence in the bright spring sunshine today - and would be doing so if this had worked as anticipated.

Any insight on this is greatly appreciated.

Much thanks.