Ok I did more troubleshooting and found out this:

I fabricated the "always on" mod as depicted on this forum. As soon as I turned the key to the 2 position, the 10amp fuse blew.

I took the tire off again and disassembled the harness supplying power to the cm30.

I hooked alligator clips directly onto the pump's leads (leaving the pump installed) and hooked the clips onto a 12v power source (emergency jump starter battery pack). Nothing. No hum, no vibration, nothing.

I used a voltmeter (finally figured out how to use one, I know I know I'm lame) and tested the car's battery, 12.7v. the emergency jump starter battery pack, 12.8v. Ok both batteries I tested it with are showing at least 12 volts.

I replaced the blown fuse in the always-on mod harness and left the pump disconnected electrically. I turned the key to the 2 position and the fuse stayed good. ok so far so good.

I measured the pump end of the wiring harness while the key was in the 2 position and I got a stable 12 volts there.

So there are no shorts in the wire from the fuse box to the pump
The always-on mod is working correctly as designed.
The pump seems to be dead. Which really makes me mad because it's brand-new!
I know it happens, but I just cannot believe my luck in purchasing a brand new non-functioning cm30 to replace my current non-functioning cm30.

Ok so its new pump shopping time.

Bosch 010 seems to the the good bet these days?
I also read Meziere WP-136 is good, although may cause leaks due to added pressure?
Ford lightning pump? Is this the same as the bosch 010?
I think I'm done with Johnson CM30s after two that gone bad.