Hi Jim,
The test I did was quite simple, I created an Excel file with 2500 items (one fiels with a fixed text value and one with number 1) and I imported in SharePoint where I set up qChartView to display the list and count the items. The result was 2500 items as expected.
Try to do something similar and see the result.
I know that we've discussed about upgrading to a more recent version and your IT dept is looking into it.