Zen Cart 1.5.0 - stock installation, except the CSS JS Loader (required)
Linux Host
PHP 5.6.9 on the host

I installed FEC 2.1.2
All seemed to go as planned, enabled things per the TIPS section at the end of instructions. I did NOT do the Magic SEO optional, nor the Gift Wrapping optional.

When I go to Log In to user account, I get a HTTP500 error, when directed to the URL https://www.mywebsite.com/index.php?...action=process
**Note:: The COWOA and FEC seem to work well, the only problem SEEMS TO BE logging into existing accounts.
**Note:: Creating a NEW account also seems to go well, but when trying to do another order using that account...fails as above

Looking at the logs, I see the failed attempts (I think) showing the following errors (3 in a row, parsed down to what I think are the important parts)
-->> ".....PHP Warning: file_get_contents(): http:// wrapper is disabled in the server configuration by allow_url_fopen=0....."
-->> ".....PHP Warning: file_get_contents(http://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.ph...check&id=594): failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in....."
-->> ".....PHP Warning: in_array() expects parameter 2 to be array, null given in....."

Now - I think this is telling me that in the PHP Config of my server, that this allow_url_fopen is disabled, and I need to have it enabled (if they will do it for me)

Is this a correct conclusion?
Will enabling this fix it for me?
What can I do if they 'refuse' to "enable" it (assuming that is the course of action I should take)?
Are there any other "server considerations" I should address at the same time - to not have to open multiple tickets with the host?

If this is it - a list of "make sure your server is versions xxxxx, yyy and zzzz and has 'abc' enabled and 'def' set to blah blah blah...." type of DOC would be a welcome addition to the installation files.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!