Hi Ken,
I have a feeling that you might still be in face select mode (3)
Try switching to vertex selection mode (1) and you should be able to better see those vertices.
I know it can seem frustrating when you get yourself into a confusing situation, but what you are describing is actually the learning process.
You got stuck, figured out how to move forward (hopefully the hint above helped), and then you know even more than you did.
If you run into, and overcome enough hurdles – then suddenly you’re an expert.
Keep going Ken.
You got this!
