RJ, I decided to flash my Aether (since it was one of my first 3 built) to the newer firmware. I did notice this issue when I did my last two but didnt think anything of it or put the two together.
Fully working Manual switch prior to flash and when I flashed to the new firmware the manual switch goes away until I program it with the utility and set the channel. I set it up at 470 and after that no issue, the manual switch works great.
The original firmware this was not an issue as that was one of my test scenarios to make sure all the LEDs were working.
I just noticed Trike was having issues with his manual switch and after seeing it a couple times on my Aethers and specifically this last time knowing everything worked prior to the flash, I thought I would let you know and might be his issue why his manual switch is not working.
-JS