Charlie: I don't think you're missing anything simple. In '85, they changed the size of the distributor shaft that the rotor sleeves onto. Early '85s have the thinner shaft, later '85s and up have the thicker shaft. They changed the rotors to correspond to this, but the later rotors seem to really be tight (the earlier ones pulled off fairly easily). Make sure you have a new rotor in hand. Then, you'll be ready when the old one breaks as you pry it off with a big screwdriver (or something).

Regarding your no spark condition, check the 25 amp main FI system fuse; it's not in the fuse panel, it's a blade-type fuse and resides in its own little plastic holder near the power steering reservoir and connects directly to the positive battery terminal. The holders deteriorate and crack and will give you a "no spark/no start" condition, even though the engine turns over fine. Radio Shack sells a perfect replacement for $2.99, or you can order IPD's waterproof fuse holder for a bit more $$$. Solder all your connections if you replace your fuse holder.