Ok, I have done a lot of research on this... but not on a Mac... only PC.
I created the template in PPT 2003 (or Office 2003), and it seems like it is having difficulty with later versions.
In reviewing, I have had the same problem you speak of... but not consistently. That is to say, sometimes the $100 level category will not disappear, and other times it is the $200 level, the $500 level, the $1,000 level. And there has been no consistency here... sometimes the 2nd category $500 level won't disappear... but another time it is the 3rd category $500 level.
And I must say, that every time I second click on a level that won't disappear, it does disappear... if that makes any sense.
Getting technical, this is what I can tell you... each number is a hyperlink... designed to move you to another point in the powerpoint where the question is located (and the answer). The used link is then supposed to turn the color of the background (thus making it appear invisible). Sometimes the links are not transitioning to the color of the background (and thus, not disappearing).
I can assure you that I have double-checked every link in the powerpoint... everything is programmed appropriately (please feel free to do so yourself). However, in my research, I have noted that there have been problems with Microsoft Office Updates... specifically KB982158, dealing with these hyperlink coloration issues.
Other than this, I have no further information? Sorry, I've tried?
April 6, 2013