Plugin layout glitches in 'Normal' Template

I open the Platinum 'normal' template and make adjustments. I save the template and reopen it to check: changes are all saved as expected. However, when I open Platinum via my desktop shortcut to the exe file (my usual method for a new project), the default file which appears will show my changes with the following 2 exceptions, which I can repeat ad nauseum:
(1) My personalised instrument plugin layout will not be remembered - it reverts to Cakewalk default
(2) My console view layout will not be remembered (although this one is weird because it only happens when the console view is not the dominant view) ie I adjust some other parameter (such as the track view) before saving.
Can anyone else reproduce this?

The desktop shortcut I use is the one that cake offers by default -  a link to the .exe file ... 
"C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\SONAR Platinum\SONARPLT.exe"
 
I double click the icon - Platinum opens with a new file ready to go (the normal template), ready to be saved as a Platinum file. Whether I use that or if I use the quick start menu and choose new project, or go via 'file - new', I always get the same result - which is my plugin layout not being retained.
 
I've also tried opening the template direct (as a template file), then saving as .cwp file - but it still does the same.

Definitely the right template - created from scratch. Other changes I make to the template are remembered and show in the new file.

The first part sounds similar to something I have been experiencing for a very long time over the past few years. I made a custom "Instruments" setup for VST, but when I open Sonar, the normal template loads with the default cakewalk list. I have to reselect it every time.
 
This is what works for me. It involves an extra step, but it's way less tedious than clicking on the custom list. Instead of defaulting to plugins -> instruments, try making the normal template plugins -> audio fx using the buttons above the list, and below the "Media, plugins, Synth" line. This is how I have it set up, and all I do when I open the program, is switch to Instruments, and it remembers the custom list of virtual instruments.
 
I hope this information is helpful.

Alphadeus, I tried your suggestion and it does keep the personalised instrument list intact (which is good), but then still loses the console view layout.
 
Jonesey, I checked for a locked screenset but none present, so I'm still looking for other possibilities.

Gotcha... The question is are people experiencing (others) the same thing... If so say aye... Trying to work out if this is a bug or a support case. At this stage it might be good to ring support however more comments may follow.. There is no doubt this is weird....

Hey Mike, 
 
I'm not sure I quite get your routine ... are you saying that every time you begin a new project, you make a backup copy of the normal template, and then work on the existing normal template? Wouldn't you still need to 'save as' a cake file (as the file you are working with is a template)? I'm not quite getting how that is different than what I'm doing.
 
I did try what I thought your routine was, but the console view still won't 'stick'. I am assuming that I should be able to hit D - rearrange my console view and expect it to say as is, but it won't. Hmmm.