Hi Tom,
Specific CME versions are tested with the versions listed on the
"requirements" doc like the one you linked, but are not limited
to those versions. It is often appropriate to upgrade phone firmware levels
on CME and is fully supported
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucme/admin/configuration/guide/cmeinstl.html#wp1003087
I don't think your issue would be related to the relationship
between CME 7.1 and 8-5-4S . I'll have a look for bugs that may be
hitting that version.
Cheers!
Rob
"And if I should fall behind
Wait for me" - Springsteen