I don't have an answer for you, but I am having exactly the same problem, the only difference is that I have tried every possible combination of " Display pages" and " Sub pages to display "

I hope that you and I get an answer soon here.

Have you got an example link? I'd be more than happy to take a look if you pass me that (or better, create me an account in your site and I'll look at the problem more closely - but obviously understand if you've got reservations about doing that).

I assume you're using an Auto-nav? Or is it a Page list? Out of interest, why are you not impressed so far? Is it just because of the problems you're having with your nav? If so, then it's worth persisting with C5 more.

I had some teething problems with C5 in the beginning as well, but it's more to do with understanding the system, how certain issues can relate to your server set up rather than the CMS itself and bearing in mind that C5 is still relatively new doesn't have the (huge) support and funding of bigger CMSs like Joomla, Drupal and (if you consider it a CMS after tweaks) Wordpress.

I'm away in the next couple of days for a bit, but happy to help before that. Just give me a PM.

Osu