markfilipak wrote: or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Yes, you're barking up the wrong tree as what you're seeing is normal and expected as that is the compatibility version not the product version.
As far as what's left behind, one could consider it to be good or bad depending on how one wants to look at it. There are valid reasons for those files being left behind if reinstalling however if you want to completely remove any trace of VMware Player then you'll have to follow the directions in: Cleaning up after an incomplete deinstallation on a Windows host
Personally I think the uninstaller should ask if one wants a total complete removal or reinstall type removal. Unfortunately Windows is known for is programs leaving much behind when uninstalling and this is not limited to the poor VMware uninstaller.