In trying to solve the inconsistencies between table and chart queries, I decided to create two separate queries rather than one which is manipulated depending on whether you're doing a table or chart output. Created parallel variables and methods in the Search.php class file and modified the execute function. Had to make similar adjustments in half a dozen other files. This had the desired effect, namely that doing a query in table view and then in chart view and back and forth gave me a consistent number of results and consistent outputs. It did not address the problem within the flot charting library of superimposing rather than stacking occasional colour blocks. Once I solve the problem with the flot library, I'll try to undo the changes made here.