I solved the 1st problem you rose when $putNum is decided. If the line being considered is either the top or bottom line, $putNum is false.

As to your second point, tmtowtdi. ;-)

But I see I still haven't been clear. :-(
the output I'm seeing is

+----+----+----+----+
|1   |1   |1   |1   |
|    |    |    |    |
|    |    |    |    |
+----+----+----+----+
[download]

When what I want is

+----+----+----+----+
|1   |2   |3   |4   |
|    |    |    |    |
|    |    |    |    |
+----+----+----+----+
[download]

Update:
Take a look at my scratch pad for the full code