Hi Graves,
If your phrases are being recognized in the Builder then VAC should be working for you and we are missing a step.
From your post it sounds like you are not running VAC System. VAC is two programs, the Builder that creates and maintains your profiles and the System that you use your profiles with. If you are running both programs and make changes in the Builder, be sure to reload the profile in the System.
I’m still working on the update, I wished I could say how long soon is, but I can’t. My best guess is about a month and that depends on how work goes.
Your profiles will work in either XP or Vista, it doesn't matter with VAC.