Correction. The E02 that I had was stock, but at some point it had updated itself, but not to the latest version that doesn't allow ssh, so the curl method still worked. I tried a V4 mobile that was still new in the box, and curl didn't work on that one. I assume that the other two new E02's that I have still in the box will be the same. I was able to get a serial connection soldered up on the mobile, and was able to proceed with flashing uBoot and installing arch.
To solder up the serial connection, I used this guide:
http://mhassan.me/2012/11/17/pogoplug-v ... ial-cable/
Once the wires are soldered, I recommend using a hot glue gun to put a blob of glue across the wires to glue them down to the board as the solder connections are very small and have a tendency to break. When I saw how small the solder points were on the board I thought it was going to be difficult, but it really wasn't that bad. Just need to use a fine tip soldering iron. I used a cheap one from Harbor Freight.