did some more forum digging, found a post (in German) that seemed to conclude its a side effect of either PHP version, or MySQL version...
( the post:
www.joomlapolis.com/forum/180-cb/222674-check-cb-plugins-database-fehler#233761
)
Indeed, I have a similar situation, slightly different PHP/MySQL versions on my DEV server (I didn't think it would be an issue, but...)
My DEV server (where everything is green and shiny)
Database Version 5.0.95
Database Collation utf8_general_ci
PHP Version 5.3.25
Web Server Apache/2.2.3 (CentOS)
My LIVE server (where the Tools report is showing mostly black)
Database Version 5.1.69
Database Collation utf8_general_ci
PHP Version 5.4.19
Web Server Apache
So..
what's officially supported??? Both? Neither?
Can't find "CB prerequisites" anywhere obvious on the web site here...
CBSubs manual says:
• PHP version 5.2.4 or better. CBSubs™ GPL 3.0 has been tested on latest PHP 5.4.x version.
• MYSQL version 5.0.4 or better (version 5.1+ recommended)