[peregrine]

And since those issues cannot be reproduced consistently, the developer cannot do anything about it (as he explained).

I could reproduce it, at least in my case. It happens only when the ArcSoft Video Decoder is in use. External subs work properly when LAV is used.

I have both problems, but as the developer isn't hanging around here, I can't tell him the possible reason for the second problem you (and I) have: Over 1000 fonts installed in Windows.

XBMC does not directly access the Windows/Fonts folder, afaik.