iCloud bookmark syncing just doesn't work.

I've tried all of the disconnect, purge, wait and merge scenarios on on this and other web platforms and iCloud still keeps causing my bookmarks to revert to a long obsolete setup from weeks ago. It's clear I'm not the only one with the problem. Anyone have a better idea?

I've disconnected the Mac and all of the other devices. I've deleted every folder and file I can find (including the bookmarks.plist in "Library/Safari" many times. I've waited days. I've reconnected and "merged" with iCloud. I've deleted all bookmark files on all other devices. Results are still the same - surprise! A return to an old set up.

I'm a Mac fan. I'm an Apple fan. But this is really frustrating - its EXACTLY the kind of thing that Apple shouldn't do.

MobileMe worked fine. What's going on?

More importantly, what can I do to fix it once and for all?

Is there a way to get to the bookmarks info in the cloud and clean it out?

Is there a way to not "merge" but REPLACE the iCloud bookmark info?