DXF is not a deprecated file format. DXF is good for handling 2D planar geometry; it is used often when cutting a shape out of a sheet of material. I would not recommend it for transferring complex 3D surfaces.
In this case I am attempting to export a simple 2d sketch as a DXF file.
i've tried exporting it as curves, as a sketch, as cgm, as layout space, as model space, using revision 2000, using revision 2003, with splines, with out splines, running nx as administrator, re creating the entire sketch in a clean part file, i've even recited an appropriate amount of prayers to the siemens, microsoft and intel deities,
Exporting to DXF seems to work best when done from drafting. Switch to the drafting application, add a drawing sheet that will hold a full size view of your sketch, add a drafting view that shows your sketch in the proper orientation, then export the drawing to DXF.
Thank you Cowski, you are a legend!