yeah, i did see the video on replacing the switches, and did replace both of them with new switches....unfortunately, the engine cut out when i brought the arms in, just like it did with the old ones....but after an hour of complaining to my neighbor and wondering what the heck to do, when i tried it the next time, there was no engine cut out when i brought the arms in....which led to the mowing session.  but at this point, i'm running scared that my problem is not really fixed....    i had called a local small engine fix-it genius and he hates electrical stuff, advised to check the toro forums and see if anyone had the silver bullet answer and fix.

I called a local small shop. When i told him i had a Toro with an electrical
Issue he said “sorry i dont touch those!!” 😬

Sounds like you have a bad wire somewhere.
 
I'd have someone sit on the mower, (better yet by pass the seat safety switch) and then get it to act up
pulling the arms in.  Follow the wires, especially from the side that was the worst, and poke about with a screwdriver (or such) trying to get it to work properly.  
 
Also, I've gotten MANY switches, with bad / poor contacts inside to function (like new),
with just a couple of squirts of Liquid Wrench.  It helps remove any build up /contaminants, etc.
 
Also, just because the part is new, doesn't mean it's good.  So keep that in mind.
 
I'd also un-plug, inspect / clean any/all connectors you can find. 
After cleaning, some Di-electric grease will keep moisture out and the
connector working as it should..
 
 
BTW, I have the exact same mower, (2005 model with a Briggs)