1. Alan, I don't think Graham's problem is related to the other thread. He's talking about vpsupd.exe (the program that can be used to update the VPS on offline computers).
2. Graham, we're aware of this issue, and are working on a fix (to vpsupd.exe). The thing is, since vpsupd.exe does not come with the avast installation, the self defense module considers it as untrusted and as such, doesn't allow it to make any modifications to the avast state.
We're working on a fix to this. Meanwhile, you'll have to live with the fact that vpsupd.exe will only work with self-defense disabled.
Thanks
Vlk