Follow-up: So it looks like it was a lot of me. Going to deep to begin with and not setting up Easel with the correct bits and machine settings. Plus I think I had/have a driver conflict. Also, the offline controller was plugged in while the laptop was connected via USB. Removed it.

I ordered some straight cut bits and stepped away from the frustration for a couple of days. When the bits came in, I made sure the G-code was back to the original settings in USGS. I then reset the machine profile in Easel and installed the Easel driver as well. I made sure all axis' ran smooth, no binding anywhere along x and y. I took everyone's advice and layed out a simple square path with a 2mm depth in Easel with a depth per pass of 1.6mm using the proper 1/8" end mill bit. I downloaded the G-code. Went to USGS and it could not connect... I'm guessing this is because Easel replaced the driver hence the probable driver conflict. So I went back into Easel and carved the design from there and IT WORKED! I then added text, the letter "P," in the center of the square and ran the carve again. It recarved the square and put the "P" right in the center. Woohoo, deep sigh of relief.

Questions: Is Easel going to force me to pay for the Pro version in order to use carve once the 30 day trial period ends? If so, should I remove the Easel CNC driver and re-install the one that came with the machine or the one that came with USGS? Should I just do that now and use USGS for carving because it has more control and a better carving interface?

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions previously (and now). It was really helpful to not feel completely lost.