My  joy has come by updating the JMicron and Intel Matrix Raid drivers to current versions. After reading the release notes on the version fixes, my pulse quickened because both mentioned solving freezes after coming out of sleep and timing problems with USB components in the sleep transition. These versions were updated frequently and more recent than mine by a couple iterations. Made sense--more sense than widespread conspiracy or a resistor or other marginal component. So far so good.

Here are the versions I have now from their respective websites: JMicron JMB36X Controller 1.17.51.2 WHQL eSATA 10/07/2009, Intel ICH8R/[...] SATA RAID controller 8.9.0.1023 06/04/2009. Give it a try. Given the similarity in many of our symptoms, I'm confident many will be helped. At least these are non-destructive corrections that appear to work for me. No freezing. Miracle!  So far so good.