After experiencing a number of the forementioned problems with..

Joomla! 1.0.12
SMF 1.1.1
JSMF 2.0.2
CB 1.0.2

..All i can say is: Download and follow the 'User Guide' to the letter.

I had been using Simpleboard (aka. Joomlaboard) which unfortunately bottle-necks the 7 J! UserGroups into 3 SB UserGroups, acceptable unless you care; which i do. SO! I went for SMF which turned out to be the wise choice, and i figured that not enough people in the world show praise for a great thing, so here's that.

Thank You!

hip