Hi Edward,
Thanks for moving your post to a new thread :).
1) Have you updated the firmware with the latest version of the patch programmer (v1.10.1)? I would recommend updating with the latest version of the patch programmer and then trying to use smart config to configure the CC3000 to associate with your AP. You can find the latest version here: http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CC3000_Wi-Fi_Downloads
2) For context, could you link to the e2e post that you are referencing? It may be helpful to read how the WLAN APIs function in the context of adding profiles and how the Socket APIs function (nearly identical to Berkeley APIs). You can find more information in our CC3000 Host Programming Guide wiki here: http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CC3000_Host_Programming_Guide#CC3000_WLAN_API
http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CC3000_Host_Programming_Guide#CC3000_Socket_API
The Basic Wi-Fi example code uses UDP to transfer data, so if you want to use TCP you'll need to change the basic_wifi_application.c code so that the arguments you pass into the socket() function reflect TCP instead of UDP. As an example, you may wish to look at the SensorApplication code from the First Time Getting Started Guide since it uses a TCP socket to pass data to a TCP server.
Hope that helps,
Keegan