Thanks for all your inputs, i had an extra (deep) look at the schematic today and i ended up with the the belief that the problem must be the main power switch.
I checked all the components involved, they all seems fine, and this is the only logical solution after the exclusion process.
Basically when the switch is in the 'off' position it's working fine, but when it's in the 'on' position it engages both the 'on' and 'off' positions together, for some reason.
This would explain both the motor 'always on' issue and the over-current passing through the resistor.
Also, the power button is not a regular on/off switch, the 'off' position says "off/sleep"...thus confirming my suspects.
I won't try fixing the power button, maybe if i find a part box i will attempt the repair later

I'm leaving here the schematics from the service manual for your comments, in case you think i may be wrong, and for future reference.

