The code I posted should be returning an array containing the values in the repeater and sub fields rather than the number of rows in the repeater. There is something on the site you’re working on that’s interfering with what ACF is returning, I wouldn’t be surprised if it has something to do with the theme.
But I don’t see any reason why the have_rows() loop should not be working if you’re getting a value. A string value of ‘5’ will evaluate to true, not false. Your original code should be working. Again, if it’s not then there is something that’s causing it not to work.
I don’t have access to Genesis and I don’t use it. I would start by trying one of the default 20XX WP themes to see if I working. If that didn’t help then I’d remove any other plugins.
