Painting with smooth mode in weight tool with auto-normalize

Isn't the "auto-normalize" (option) supposed to keep the total of two adjacent joints at 100%? I can't seem to get this to work correctly when using the smooth mode of the weight tool. I've tried different strengths (0-25-50-75-100%). When the 'auto-normalize" is disabled, the total of weighting goes way over 100% and, of course, tears up the mesh. If I use the "auto-normalize" button, it resets the weighting to a hard edge and negates the smoothing. I can't seem to get a smooth deformation even using auto-weighting.

I've been using C4D for years but haven't spent much time trying to rig until the last several months...can't seem to get any decent results.




Primary System Info -
Mac Pro 2x3.2 Quadcore - 10.5.8 - QT 7.6.2 - 20 GB RAM - nvidia8800GT - SATA internal & external storage - Blackmagic Multibridge Pro (Not Functioning)- Open GL 1.5.10 - Wacom Intous2 tablet - AJA io