Ok, I figured out a solution for the problem in my post title but will be posting a follow-up, semi-related question about making a modified paste mask. I would like to shrink the paste mask opening for only certain pads.
Solution:
When generating the files in the CAM tool, Edit the Paste Mask Top. In the Options menu for the Paste Mask Top, there is a "Suppress" option to suppress openings for Ref. Des. that you list with commas separating the Designators. You must also have a check mark in the "Exclude Pads" for it to take effect. See those menus lined up on my attached screen snip. With these settings, I no longer have openings on the Fiducials (FD1 and FD2) or the Tag-Connect (J7).