Gregg,
I too found in intriguing that the existence of other gods but not worshiping them or making idols of them was still on the table. I think that just as scripture from Matthew states that "You cannot serve two masters" does not mean denying the existence of that other master, but instead being knowledgeable that God is the one that we serve and adore. I am sorry if I was not supposed to use the New Testament in this response, but I really did find it helpful for this discussion.
Peace,
Calvin