Web browser into local router then and only then do I get the personal questions

You're caught. If you didn't setup the password recovery questions, it still asks them but there isn't a correct answer. You've found that out. To get back in through the gui if you don't know your password and didn't setup the recovery questions would be the reset that will take you time to redo. If you end up doing this, I'd make sure to make a backup of your settings for next time. it stinks to do but we've all done it at some point and had to spend more time than we'd like reinstalling something.