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" Betty couldn't decide: Should she buy wheat, white, or German rye? (This serves as a complete sentence, requiring capitalization.) "

Isn't that two complete sentences ? If so, the colon should be a full-stop.

Yes, I think so!

The same could be said regarding semicolons. What comes after them could often stand alone as sentences. This is why I often question capitalization after a colon. What determines whether a colon or semicolon is called for is whether what comes after it in some way fulfills what's before it or, say, continues in the same vein. It sounds so subjective, but in practice it seems that it doesn't usually present a dilemma.

Aristophanes. I concur; my English grammar education was taught just as you say.

Hello, never expected this

If your guys take a look at the Joint Effort Crossword, the sentence I was referring to when I asked was ChrisE's clue at 10down.

Take a look and tell me what you think, have I done the grammar correct in that clue?

I'd say a colon without a cap (something that defines the preceding is usually after a colon). Clues like this often have a comma, however.

I did think a comma would be more fitting but Chris wanted it to stay as a semicolon.

The plot thickens, just like my curry is doing

Looks fine to me. Rewriting the clue with a capitalised delapidated made me wince :-)

Whatever, the clue parses beautifully.

Les40, perhaps 33d has had a bad effect on you.