Link AppleTV Account (no Apple device)

Not a question, some information about what was found over many hours of Apple support time.  Many of those hours were because my Apple ID was ancient and needed to be updated to an newer email based ID.  -- It was initially created for my 30GB hard disk iPod.  A long time ago...

1. Wait for the SMS activation link to be sent.  Even though the page/documentation might make you think it's immediate, done from the activation link in the web site, activation is accomplished via a link that's sent to you via SMS.  You'll get one that says they're working on it, then you'll get one prompting you to activate the association.  The activation text/link is the one you want.   
    
2. Don't use Brave browser.  Chrome works, Brave does not.  
   The terms and conditions UIs for AppleTV are blocked by Brave browser, and no notification is presented.  The authentication UIs are displayed, but the consent UIs are not.  Chrome works, Brave does not. Executing #3 might not have been necessary.  But if you have trouble…
    
3. One guess was that the AppleID needed to be associated with a "device" in order to accept terms of conditions.  I have no Apple devices.  This was accomplished by installing "Apple Music" on my Android and logging in.  After accepting the terms, I was prompted for credit card entry.  "No card" is an option, but I couldn't get "Continue" to enable. I found out that you have to click somewhere else in the form for it to enable.  I registered a card, I was told that it's not necessary.  I was also told that it can be removed.  I'll be doing that shortly.

Note:  Apple support was AWESOME!