Steve,
I will give insert my two cents worth and then shut my mouth.
IMO, the series installation in OP post is indeed a basic violation of NEC 110.3[B].
None of the manufactures instructions I have seen for UL listed GFCI receptacles or cb’s allow this type of connection. Generally they have only two approved connection methods and this is not one of them. I think the fact that they are having issues with proper tripping of the devices reinforces this.
Of course, this is JMHO.