@ Weedy_Weed_Smoker I downloaded and installed afc2add, but I can’t find a setting in iExplorer to allow access to the real root. You mentioned a “preferences” section, but all I could find was a “settings” section, which did not have the option listed in any of its sub-sections.
Also, iFunBox still lists my device as Jailed. 
UPDATE: Thanks to the following link I figured out a workaround and managed to navigate to my own roms under a folder I was able to access without requiring root privileges:
However, now that I’ve finally been able to start game testing, I’m left very disappointed. First, my 8BitDo SN30 Pro gamepad won’t pair via Bluetooth, which I’ve learned is because of iOS licensing issues, or something along those lines. Second, when even playing a basic game such as Super Mario Bros., the framerate is choppy at 30fps or less. I’ve tried both Nestopia and FCEUMM emulators, and tried enabling/disabling VSync and Threaded Video, but the problem persists. It appears that an iPad 2 (NOT an Air 2, in case you were wondering) isn’t powerful enough to run even basic NES games? I tried Googling but the only thing I could find were people complaining that their PS1 performance took a nose dive after upgrading to iOS 9 on their iPad 2s.
So unless I’m missing something, I think I will give up on this project and just go back to using my Android-based Moto E4 phone for portable gaming, as installation and setup were FAR easier, and the phone’s modest processor can even handle up to N64 emulation. Heck, I even have an Ipega PG-9087 controller on its way!
Thanks,
Visor