Solved my own problem w/ the help from another group. It always pays to check
around. For anyone else having the problem try reading the wordy but
ultimatley helpful piece at:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011352971033.aspx#Downloading%20a
%20template%20from%20Office%20Online.

It was, as I thought, a security issue. Needed to 'allow' the appropriate
Microsoft pages in. I guess that's reasonable. Just wish it were a little
easier to figure out.