right, so i want to be able to see the searches.... and the thing said false. (i checked it when i had my firewall ON)

Did you configure your firewall so it allows LW full access (advisable not to have 2 active firewalls b/c they can interfere with each other); Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)

I also run in Leaf mode & sometimes I see incoming searches in the Monitor window & sometimes not.

i dont think i would need to config my firewall when it is off.... i get the message even when it is off.

this is becoming too much of a problem. maybe LW will fix this in their next release.

If the Incoming test said false then if not the firewall then it must be a connection device. Most hi-speed modems & routers use NAT firewalls which block out most ports. If your devices use UPnP then that's fine but if not, then the NAT will filter out incoming!
Can you tell us your modem & router brand name & model numbers?