I think I found the problem with color at THEKEEP.NET. When it is 'auto sensing' it sends an ANSI code: CSI 6 n . That code is "Device Status Report", and it is supposed to "Reports the cursor position to the application as (as though typed at the keyboard)". (The data is from Wikipedia, which isn't perfect but it is a start.) According to another page it is 'Get cursor position', which makes more sense.
I don't honor that code because none of the Linux or Unix boxes have used it yet. It's easy to code, so I'll throw it in an see if color shows up.
Mike