Sorry guy but the only work around is Moutain Lion. I was not with Steve in his garage but I run macs since OS 8 and I never had any thing like this happen.
You say "It just so happens that I was on the phone with Apple Support when this problem started happening "
Really. Why was the conversation so bored that even the computer feel slep?
This does not happen out of the blue the screen need to be off or at sleep to happen something push me to write back because what you say even so you wish me a Happy new Year instead of a lucky one like I am wish you.
In 2008 my last year in apple I can say I new perhaps 3 of those who new anything more than what they tell them to know.
And my friend I can tell you you talk with one of the 1 million clueless apple helpers and now in they if you don't know you works around you can be talking with a call center mouse thinking he/she is a 2 level.
Keep using the work around what ever 10.9 has is not enogth for me to take this insult. And by the way I used for 15 days until I give up, very rear with me but Apple is not this. So next time you bored not go remind us of a work around.
Have a lucky year and next time ask for a second level and get his number so you can call back and see if any happen.
Barracuda mi nick in apple.