It seems there must be a setting that will let me deform using the curve-to-curve option, and have the "to" curve be accurately represented through the entire axis normal to the plane that profile curve lies in. I'm not finding it so far. See attached model. Note that I recognize there are several simple ways to get this result without the deform feature, if it weren't for the machined pockets I want to model FIRST, then deform the sheet with the pockets. See attached example. Please feel free to fix it (or make your own that accomplishes what I'm describing) and tell me how you did it.
SolidworksGeneral