New info:
There is no signal going to the piezo. Removed the Piezo, scoped the pads and enabled 2 modes (Non-Contact Voltage Detect; and Continuity) but nothing seen.
Traces go back to CD4069UBC hex inverter. Here's the mind-bending thing to me: an inverter is connected *across* the piezo:
There are no other connections to the piezo's pads (ie, on the flip side of the board). The many vias at the top of the board is part of the non-contact voltage detector.
Am I losing my brain? When is it good design sense to put an inverter across a piezo? What the...?
Cheers.