I tried with my DockStar (watching over a serial console) and it never got an APIPA address.
It was plunged directly into my netbook also when I plunged it back into my normal network it did not pull a DHCP IP I had to reboot it to get it back on the network.
Make sure you have the network plugged in before you power the DockStar.
Sounds like it's time for a serial cable.