Hey @ScruffR Thanks so much for your response on this, I have it working now and I’d like to share my results so future “Etherneters” don’t need to experience my struggle.
Wiring and everything was fine, it definitely looks like an issue created by safe mode.
The solution.
-put the Argon in Listening mode if the LED isn’t already flashing blue (which it was in my case. After every restart or flash the system would not attempt an ethernet connection and instead go to listening mode)
-use the app to add a new device(NOTE: Do not delete the old one or unclaim it, just leave the old one and add it again, it will override the old one at the end automatically)
-scan the QR code on the particle and select Ethernet.
-finish the setup by entering a new name (the same name might work, but in my testing i chose to give it a new name to ensure I was using a new configuration)
-login to the particle IDE and flash your same old code(ensuring you’re not using excessive "delay();"s or anything else that could kill your connection to the cloud).
-now on new flashes and restarts the system will automatically connect via ethernet.
NOTE: before setting up a new device I tried to force ethernet detection via STARTUP(System.enableFeature(FEATURE_ETHERNET_DETECTION)) in my code. THIS DID NOT WORK FOR ME. I removed it before flashing my code again after setting up the new device and it worked perfectly, I have preformed many flashes and restarts since and it is working perfectly.
NOTE: This issue was originally caused by my use of excessive delays (as a form of troubleshooting as I am used to doing with serial connections on Arduino). These delays stopped me from being able to flash remotely and putting the device in safe mode started my loop into despair.
Conclusion: IF YOU NEED ETHERNET ONLY FUNCTIONALITY, I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND AVOIDING THE “SAFE MODE”.
but
If you do find yourself in a situation where restarts and flashes are killing your cloud connection, just copy your code somewhere safe, set up the argon as a new Ethernet device, flash your code once more (avoiding “delay();” if possible) and have a wonderful day 
Cheers
Lucas
