As it turned out, the jumping focus point didn't actually affect the focus of the image. I had another issue that caused the focus to be soft. Actually the image is taken before the jumping occurs. I was told that the jumping is the focus point re-centering itself.
Very interesting. That is one perspective I had not heard of or experienced. It is possible for any gear to become damaged or knocked off kilter, given the
endless possibilities with shipping, handling and even putting up with abuse to some degree. The lens that I referenced earlier possessed an Auto-Focus System that was very accurate and very reliable, meaning consistent in its performance. Not atypical of Nikon gear.
One of those things that make you go: "Hhmmmm."
Tony