ok, this is now working for the next release. I can't say precisely when it will be, as it's not up to me, all I can say is that sub is clearly trying to wrap up changes and wants to release sooner rather than later.
At the moment, the setting is case sensitive, it must be <DefaultDirectoryChoice>spread</DefaultDirectoryChoice>, and not <DefaultDirectoryChoice>Spread</DefaultDirectoryChoice>. I suspect sub will make it not so touchy before release, and MAY put in a checkbox for the feature on the Settings->Recordings screen near the paths section ao you won't have to go messing in config.xml to enable it.
server: NextPVR 5.0.7/Win10 2004/64-bit/AMD A6-7400k/hvr-2250 & hvr-1250/Winegard Flatwave antenna/Schedules Direct main client: NextPVR 5.0.7 Desktop Client; LG 50UH5500 WebOS 3.0 TV