Found problem to getting featured sites to display entries:
I've been reviewing & modifying lots of codes & templates lately, so when the featured_user_favs setting asked for users, I instinctly put in userids. Unfortunately, that field doesn't accept userids, but require usernames. And because my test forum doesn't have usernames starting with numbers, the ajax name helper never appeared. LOL - I feel so silly

Sorry for any confusion Andrew; you might want to put a note next to that field that userid's are not accepted so people don't waste your time like me
The filter links bar will only show in categories that have featured sites - I will try the change from $nhits to $nfhits as you suggested. Also, I'll test the new local_links_vbafunc.php and report back later.
Feature Request: Can you provide an option so that featured sites are not displayed again in the regular listing when viewing a category's entries?