I reverted a little with regard to the kernel: Linux etaoin1 2.2.20 #1 Sat Apr 20 11:45:28 EST 2002 i586 unknown -- and downloaded XFree86 4.3.0 from www.xfree86.org and installed it using their script. This worked! Although a good deal of tuning will be needed (if possible). So this particular problem (S3Trio64V+ and NEC MultiSync 5FGe monitor) is solved by using 4.3.0 which may recommend it in other situations.