faces ?
 

Ok i reinstall my Maya and i get this effect... when i select RMB - Faces i just get this with no face center...

I've tried from display->polygons -> face center but it's not like old times ... what i mean is that the face center is standing even i did not select face option...? and when i hit 4 still standing the face center without selecting the command.
So i think there must be other way not by displaying this ... ?

here is picture of what i mean

If I understand your problem correctly it has to do with your selection prefs.

10x man lifesaver !