used it before. no idea about the refreshing part. but for the favourites list, only your phonebook numbers which are using WhatsApp will be listed under favourites. uninstalled the app already, find it lacking alot compared to iPhone or BB version. and plus it drains alot of battery as i cant quit the app from running in the background.

if thats the case i think u should consider seeking help from whatsapp support team. never experience this before. when i was using that app, it would like a charm on the first time. try re-installing it again.