Yes the firmware did take. the version show 0.2.3-11 + <hash> i didnt get a change to write it down before i reflashed it with 0.1.1.
Once i reflashed back to 0.1.1, and re calibrated the smith chart looks correct under a 50 ohm load. I tried ever release 0.2.x released version as well, and those all cause the issue. So its confirmed its a firmware issue at least my device.