OK, allow me to rephrase this.  It was late when I wrote the initial
description of the issue.

when the handbrake is off, the adjuster and the cables just dangle about an
inch and a half lower than they would be with the handbrake engaged -- all
loose and floppy like.  There appears to be no return spring to take up the
slack in the cables.  That seems weird to me.  This as it should be?  Does
your handbrake adjuster (at the junction of the left and right cables)
just flop around with the brake off?

Sorry to be a PITA, but it's brakes!  that stuff makes me nervous, hehehe.
THat's why I don't do 'em!  One mistake and yer dead!  Waaah!