I just got mine around Christmas time. I've had no problems with any chips (from the supported list) that I've tried. Some chips not being on the supported list is a different problem.
with stuburn chips i plug in my power adapter 12v 300ma
and yes mine dose run on a powered usb hub.
if the chip is not listed but u know it? just ask in there fourms
they have the answer (libary) u will need
now the reason they do not go "public" right off of the hop is signing
it must pass the windows mustard test (starting with windows 7)