So this seems to be the most successful entry as far ...
title DEFT v5
find --set-root /deftv5x.iso
map /deftv5x.iso (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff)
kernel /casper/vmlinuz file=/cdrom/preseed/xubuntu.seed boot=casper iso-scan/filename=/deftv5x.iso splash
locale=en.UTF-8 --
initrd /casper/initrd.lz
deftv5x.iso is on the root of my usb
It boots to an xdisplay, you see it going through boot scripts, then mentions searching for devices, and goes to a blank screen, then hangs. changing terminals doesnt work or anything to see what type of boot messages im getting.
So, I also tried using the 'cli.seed' in place of the xubuntu, and the same boot up happens except this time it drops to a prompt (as i hoped). It drops down to the initramfs prompt. Error is basically saying it can't find deftv5x.iso, and mentions not being able to locate a 'live enviroment'.
Another thing im noticing is that it appears to be looking for it on 'sdb', however most every live distro i boot, usually utilizes 'sdc'. Is it possible that the boot is not finding the usb drive when it comes time to mounting the filesystem?