As far as the Ranco - they are pretty solid machines.
Maybe you have the heating/cooling functions set incorrectly? Or maybe the you've set the offset to your temp setpoint instead of the actual temp setting.
I'm pretty certain it's hooked up right. I have "S1" for cooling, which is set for 65F (room temp is 77F) with a 3 degree diff. This is set up as C1. Next, I have S2m which is set for heating at 55F with a 3 degree diff. This is H2.
I tried switching things, thinking maybe S1 and S2 were switched when it was wired.
I'm waiting to hear back from customer service (an oxymoron if there ever was one) at ETC.
I'm really looking forward to your "House Sour" seminar at the conference, BTW!