Check this out.
I got to talk to one of the repair technicians for TWC this evening. He told me it was a software update/design intentionally! Something about too many service calls with people not having the setting right, so they made it so the box would make a recognition and decision and would not be able to be changed.
This explains why the box will not allow me to make a permanent change in the settings. I don't know if his statements are true, but why would he say this if it wasn't true.
SO, it is component cable for me. (I was already there.) Thanks to all who have tried to help me here. It really didn't make sense, but now it does.
