Simple question really.

[John V]

How would they gain understanding of good end evil?

As noted, their were two ways: by doing good, or by doing evil. Satan only mentioned doing evil. That's the deception, and you're correct that it's not obvious. That explains why Eve said she was deceived.

Were we reading the same story? He specifically said this is the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and I don't want you eating of it.

Correct. he didn't say that he didn't want them to obtain such knowledge. He wanted them to obtain it the correct way - by resiting temptation and not eating.

Then after they obtained it, he kicked them out.

Yes, as they obtained the knowledge the wrong way, by doing evil.

Where is there indication that he wants people to be enlightened, as opposed to completely obedient to his every whim?

It's indicated by the fact that he put the tree in the garden and allowed Satan into the garden. He could have excluded both of those. A&E would presumably have remained naive. But, as God is righteous, he wanted righteous beings for fellowship. You can't become righteous if you're never faced with a moral choice, i.e. the ability to do right.

When has Yahweh ever wanted his humans to be independent beings, and not just worshipful sheep?

In the garden, apparently, else as noted he wouldn't have put in the tree and Satan.