Solutions for the missing netcard driver are:
a. Get the 32-bit NDIS 5.x driver here :
http://www.powershelladmin.com/wiki/Microsoft_deployment_tools_vmware_xp_amd_pcnet_nic_missing#AMD_P...
Win8 can use it (only 32-bit version, of course)
Then copy it to the guest via a shared folder on host (because copy/paste and DnD failed to work for me again....)
and install manually.
b. Manually edit the .vmx file created by "easy install" wizard and
add the following line:
ethernet0.virtualDEV = "e1000"
Win8 does have in-box driver for this model.
The newest Workstation v.9.0.2 does not seem to have an easier way to change the netcard type.
Thank you very much VMware! I really could not spend a hour of my time any better than hunting for the driver.
-- pa
Update: now I have v 9.0.2 fully updated and reinstalled tools again.
The guest screen still becomes skewed after the first attempt to resize, and becomes normal only in maximized and fullscreen mode.