Strange. Maybe your theme doesn't have that option? I have Themehouse UI.X and it has the option. http://prntscr.com/e9zdof
I'm afraid, I don't know how else to help. Sorry. Try doing what Brogan suggested.
The effort to help is what counts most and not the result. So I'm greatful to you for the time that you spent.
I've EDGE a new theme from Pixelexit and it has only that setting.
It's a widget page I created using Widget Framework and it's showing up in my Node List, but I'm sorry to say I have no idea where to find that bit of code you listed.
Okay, nevermind that last bit... I misunderstood at first.
Now I'm thinking perhaps it doesn't work on a widget page. Should I maybe use your featured posts and portal addon instead?
Nope, I just added a regular page and it worked just fine, so it was (once again) a case of user error. I just keep searching for an easy way to create a custom homepage with HTML and a few basic forum content blocks.