can i perplex someone's damage and then, use RCE? i know you can't use RCE w/ other abilities like running shot and enhancement.

those were prior to Indy. If I'm not mistaken, RCE still can't be used with Running Shot since RCE is a power action, not a ranged combat action. But it can be used with perplex, Enhancement, SHIELD.

BUT, since it adds +2 to your damage value, you can only perplex/enh/SHIELD your damage once because of the rule of 3.

Am I correct (question to any real judge)?

Yeah that's right. Rule of three goes into effect. I like the R of 3, b/c you were not allowed to perplex that damage at all until that rule took effect.
Also works with Close Combat Expert.

If only it worked with Blades/Fangs/Claws... but then that would be ridiculous.

Correct. You can perplex up RCE and CCE damage, but the combination of RCE and CCE cannot lift that damage any higher than 3 above the printed value.

thanks everyone, i really need to check up on the faqs sometime