use new 'spi' utility and various hardware, with a Raspberry Pi, to verify mode/speed changes.
results:
with test device, speeds > 100khz weren't working properly (due to the device). slower speeds ok
modes 0, 1, and 3 on the test device only worked with modes 0, 1, and 3 from the bcm2835 driver
mode 2 on the device worked with both mode 2 and mode 3 (for whatever reason). It's worth noting since it may say something about my test device.
Conclusion: mode settings are working as expected with a 'cursory' test. no data loss nor bit shifting observed.
NOTE: tested by sending a non-zero command byte followed by 11 bytes of data read from the test device, using the mode programmed into the test device and every other mode to verify