Yeah, looking at code above it seems they have changed too much core code. Shame. I do not see the value in changing BP code so much it breaks extra plugins. You can create custom templates without re-writing template tags that basically do what the original code did.
Try my BuddyPress Extended Settings plugin, to see if it works with your custom setup. I will be adding a way to specify tabs that get added via plugins. Right now plugin only includes core tabs
Why have a separate install? Is it because you want it to look different? You can style BP pages differently. Multi site opens a spam can if not completely locked down.
Rename your plugins folder to force deactivate plugins. Put the folder name back to plugins after you visit your admin. Then activate BuddyPress alone. If it works ok then test each plugin one by one to find the one that is breaking your site.
I create a dummy install on same server. mytest.url.com Use a separate database.
You should block this from search bots and put it in a permanent maintainence mode so no one can see it. I then add all the plugins that are on the real site. This will allow you to test on same server before you go live. Some site admins may do local test on computer but I prefer real world tests on the actual server/host site is on.
Oh, the functions code has nothing to do with actually creating a sidebar in your theme. You would have to add HTML and CSS. The function code is for WordPress to know where to place widgets.
