MS-Project shared resource pool problems

I work with MS-Project 2002, and have worked with versions 98 and 2000, all stand-alone versions without enterprise or server features. I have yet to have the shared resource pool feature work consistently for any length of time. It all starts out as described, but eventually changes to the resource pool get overwritten.

We’ve gone through various books and consulted Microsoft’s site and followed all their suggestions (mainly changing the settings on how the resource pool is used and how conflicts are resolved). People more expert than me have said they’ve also given up making it work.

So, is there anyone out there who does get consistent, correct behavior from shared resource pools? And if so, how? Do you recommend a reference for making it clear how it’s done?

Thanks!