Going to build a bit on my last post.
So it seems I've had a bit of success in all of this.
I finally reverted back to the 17.1.0 official drivers from Intel's website (17.12.0.4 and 5 did not remain stable when connected), left the checkbox checked in the device manager, and made it so Windows manages my wireless connection rather than the Intel application (so I'm running the drivers barebone without the Intel PROSet/Wireless Manager) and I'm consistently having solid connections with no dropouts and no problems waking from sleep.
I have done one thing additional, however. I added a new Access Point to my home network in the form of a Netgear R6300v2 which at most times I'm using my device (Dell Venue 11 Pro) with the AC7260 in it, I'm less than 10 feet from that AP so the signal is perfect.
A side note however, when bringing my device into the office with the previously mentioned Cisco Access point (Cisco AIR 3602I) that caused problems in the past, I'm no longer experiencing dropouts here either.
I dont know if I hit some critical mass/perfect storm in installs/uninstalls and application removals or just got lucky, but for now, I'm stable. I just wont breathe on it so it stays this way.
