I suppose that is reasonable, but then some product have attributes and some don't - it's just less confusing for the client.

At any rate, I was able to modify the code to do what I want it to do.

Edited \includes\functions\functions_prices.php line 138… change to
Code:
$the_base_price = $the_base_price;
do the same in admin… \admin\includes\functions\functions_prices.php line 149

and edited \admin\includes\classes\shopping_cart.php (around lines 466 and 853) and \includes\classes\shopping_cart.php (around line 1069)
Code:
//$products_price = $products->fields['products_price'];
            $products_price = 0;
This is just more logical for me - hopefully it doesn't mess up other things, but we will see!

Thanks,
Linda