Pause timeline triggers not working or working incorrectly

Generally speaking, "pause timeline when timeline begins" doesn't work. The timeline has to start before the trigger is executed, but by then, "when timeline"starts" is already past. Use instead "when timeline reaches ___ sec.  Usually .01 will work.

As to your other questions,troubleshooting is just guessing without seeing the .story file. If you upload it, someone might be able to solve the issue. Here are the best practices for uploading a .story file:

• Only include slides that are related to the problem.
• Be sure objects, layers, motion paths, and variables have meaningful names.
• If there is proprietary content, replace or delete it. For example, replace proprietary text with “lorem ipsum” text.
• Use a browser to come to this page, and click "Add Attachment at the bottom of your post to upload.

I have created approximately 100 videos where it had worked just fine, however when I replaced the "pause timeline when timeline begins" with reaching .01 on this one just now, the rest of the issues went away at least for now! 

Thank you!