After using ImageX to mount the working winpe.wim image, it seems I do not have rights to delete anything under Program Files. This is absurd, what do I have to do to delete them? Anyone able to do this?

make sure you use mountrw switch:

imagex /mountrw c:\winpe_x86\winpe.wim 1 c:\winpe_x86\mount

and when finished

imagex /unmount c:\winpe_x86\mount /commit

Change folder and wim names as necessary. If you use /mount, you may or may not be able to change the files, but the results won't be saved. Make sure you open the PE Tools Command Prompt with elevated rights.

ive done exactly that, and can delete files and commit those changes. i can even delete folders out of other directories. what is the deal with Program Files? can someone reproduce this?

I would need to duplicate your environment. I need to know the following:

1. What OS on the technician PC

2. Using WAIK or OPK Tools and what version

3. What OS or PE version inside the WIM