ok, decided to try and use xtndconnect to sync phone numbers as well, give it a shot.
this means using the individual record filter to limit the number of contacts to import -- doesn't appear there's any way i can filter using the 'private' record designation i've started to use.
i've got about 400 contacts in my list, and it took about ten minutes to trim the list to the 200 that should go to the phone. i have to essentially duplicate marking which contacts are 'private', and go to the phone. too bad the filter logic either doesn't work, or too limited to be useful. might have really helped here.
conclusion - the sync works pretty well... in some ways better than my script, and in others ways misses the mark. only a few minor issues really.
the advantage here, is that my phone stays up-to-date with changes made to my contacts in outlook.
because i'm using bluetooth (with my ericsson t39) this all happens automagically -from across the room- whenever my phone is in range, getting updates as needed.
and that's sweet.