My rose had all the symptoms, but it was all on the lower canes, so I didn't notice until one long cane popped out the side. Wonder how long it was like that. I've got 2 other roses nearby, so I'm watching carefully to see if they're infected, too. One of them is a rambler that I've been painstakingly training along a low fence for a couple years. I'm seeing possible warning signs on it, but I'm trying to come to terms with having to rip that one out. As they say, denial isn't just a river in Egypt.
You're probably right about the Rugosas. Check out some of the pictures of RRD to be sure, but you may want to start thinking about removing them. I know, I know, easier said than done. This rose was only a couple feet tall, but wrestling it into the trash bag left me covered with scratches and I have thorns imbedded in my fingers. Sheez, the things we do for our plants!
You're right about the light changing and the feeling of fall. It's very welcome, indeed.
