Since confessing to this problem (and it seems I have some company out there) I have been reading up a lot on it, and one site said much has to do with the thumb opening you make when doing the half hole. One guy said rather than leaving a lot of opening, just "crack it" open, another one said cut your thumb nail short and pinch it down into the hole, thus making a sharp wind tunnel for the air to come out.

Well, I don't know about all that, but I do know you can't make too big a thumb opening like you can for F and G, also I noticed that my recorder only likes it if you make the opening at the "top" of the hole (nearest your mouth) rather than anywhere else. Perhaps a little experimentation with different thumb placements, etc. would produce this note easier. One more experienced recorder player just told me "practice, practice." I guess that works to a certain extent! On the other hand, some recorders just may not be redeemable.

Someone posted earlier to ask what the high A was and someone replied to half cover the thumb and cover the first two holes.

For a Soprano/Tenor using the Baroque system this is incorrect. Your high A is half cover the thumb, cover holes one, two for and five. Or half cover the thumb and cover holes one, five, six and seven. Your high A for Sopranino/Alto using the Baroque system you half cover the thumb and cover holes one, two, three, and five.

I use a 10 dollor plastic tenor and only have trouble with the E where I have to blow softly or get a windy wistling (almost squelching) sound.

I don't think that's right. I must confess I'm no expert on recorder fingerings but I've looked on several different sites for alternate fingerings for high A and none seem to be given.

I got my recorder out and tried the fingerings you suggested. The first one gives a B flat (half a tone higher)and the second one gives something in between B flat and the A I'd like.