Testing product import to Magento 1.9, "Product Type is invalid or not supported" NO MATTER WHAT?

So I’m new to Magento but from what I gather Product Type is a required field for importing. My csv reads as follows:

store,websites,attribute_set,type,sku,has_options,name,image,small_image,thumbnail,url_key,url_path,options_container,gift_message_available,page_layout,country_of_manufacture,msrp_enabled,msrp_display_actual_price_type,price,special_price,weight,status,tax_class_id,visibility,is_recurring,linen_type,enable_tabs,description,short_description,special_from_date,qty,min_qty,use_config_min_qty,is_qty_decimal,backorders,use_config_backorders,min_sale_qty,use_config_min_sale_qty,max_sale_qty,use_config_max_sale_qty,is_in_stock,low_stock_date,use_config_notify_stock_qty,manage_stock,use_config_manage_stock,stock_status_changed_auto,use_config_qty_increments,qty_increments,use_config_enable_qty_inc,enable_qty_increments,is_decimal_divided,stock_status_changed_automatically,use_config_enable_qty_increments,product_name,store_id,type_id,categories,gallery,img_label,has_color_picked,additional_catoverride,meta_title,meta_description
admin,base,Default,simple,111-1-BK-GG,0,HERCULES,Imperial,Series,Black,Leather,Chair,,,,,,Block,after,Info,Column,No,No,layout,updates,China,Use,config,Use,config,583,185.75,54,Disabled,Taxable,Goods,"Catalog, Search",No,UNKNOWN,No,"<ul class=""disc"">Your lobby or reception area is the forefront of your business and providing distinguished and comfortable seating is the first step towards making a great impression. The modern appeal of this chair will make a lasting impression with your visitors. Reception chairs are perfect for the office and as waiting room seating. The contemporary design of this furniture adapts in several different settings. This chair features streamlined stitching and elevated, curved hardwood feet. Not only will this chair fit in a professional environment, but will add a modern look to your home.<li>Contemporary Design<li>Office or Home Office Seating<li>Sloping Arms<li>Slightly Curved Seat and Back<li>Fixed Seat Cushion<li>1.8 High Density Foam<li>Sturdy Hardwood Construction<li>Cherry Stained Wood Feet<li>Black LeatherSoft Upholstery<li>LeatherSoft is leather and polyurethane for added Softness and Durability<li>CA117 Fire Retardant Foam</ul>","<ul class=""disc""><b>Black Leather Chair</b><li>Overall Dimensions: 33.50""W x 31""D x 29""H<li>Availability: In Stock. Usually ships within 24 business hours.</ul>",,0,0,1,0,0,1,1,1,0,1,0,,1,0,1,1,1,0,1,0

This was provided by a separate entity, originally with a number of columns per product more than there are headers. With those, Check Data returned "Column names have duplicates". That content deleted returned

Product Type is invalid or not supported in rows: 1

File is totally invalid. Please fix errors and re-upload file
Checked rows: 1, checked entities: 1, invalid rows: 1, total errors: 1

totally invalid.

Originally the type_id column read instead product_type, with the same value in the product row as there is now, 1. Note that there is also a type column, with the value “simple”. Before even realizing that, I tried values “Simple Product”, “Simple”, and “simple” for product_type. I also tried combining those values with variations on the column header, such as the current type_id, and _type, both of which I came across while researching this issue online.

I have also tried removing that column altogether. Nothing makes any difference. What can I do, short of writing my own tedious import script?

UPDATE: that error has given way to another now, who would’ve thought… (type_id=1 ok)

Now it tells me

Can not find required columns: sku
Please fix errors and re-upload file

when said column does very much exist verbatim. I tried moving the column. I tried changing the [albeit valid] value. I even tried setting the field sku to not be required in Catalog > Attributes > Manage Attributes. Still I get the same sad result.

I am hating Magento, but that still does me nor anyone else any good. How can I resolve to import ONE SIMPLE PRODUCT into this stupid system?

I even tried via the MageBees module and it’s giving Error: Product SKU field “sku” is empty. No it’s not empty; it’s 111-1-BK-GG. Goddamn.