So I figured out my problem, only to create a much bigger one.
I had the polarity of my switches reversed; a guy at Radioshack pointed that out and we got the switch lights to go off in the off position. I took the RIMS home for a test run with hot water, and it worked perfectly. I realize now that the OUT LED on the PID will tell me what I need to know, as well as the light on the SSR.
Everything was going smoothly and I was just about to shut it off, then the loose hose going back to the cooler decided to wiggle free and flood my kitchen; which would have been no big deal (not the first time it happened), but one squirt got into the toolbox and got my wires all wet (so stupid). I immediately switched everything off, unplugged everything, then gave myself a good kick in the a**. Luckily I didn't SEE any water on the SSR or PID, and the heating element terminals are encased inside a PVC pipe cap with only a small hole for the wires to exit; pretty sure no water got in there. My switch terminals are wrapped in electrical tape, and I didn't see any drops on them anyway, so I think they're safe. What worries me most are the places I joined wires with wire nuts, (splitting the hot, joining the neutral, and connecting grounds to the main ground)--I know there was water there.
I feel so stupid for letting this happen, especially after all the time and money I put into the system, and maybe I'm ok, but I just don't know what my next move is. I figure I'll give everything a couple days under a fan to dry out, but I don't know the extent of the damage yet, or how to even figure that out. I need to make sure this thing is safe before I plug it back in...please help...