Hi everyone,
Got it! There is a line in /etc/systemd/logind.conf regarding what to do if one closes a laptop lid:
#HandleLidSwitch=suspend
Changing this to:
HandleLidSwitch=ignore
while editing the disk image using 'qlustar-image-edit -s Standard-focal' and rebooting nodes did the trick. Now I can use all sorts of old laptops, some with no screens, keyboards, none with hard drives, and all with various problems as additional nodes.
Cheers, -Mike