Cannot create PT that avoids 255 char limit and has full filter functionality

[Cortes]

Frequently I work with text strings in individual cells which are longer than 255 characters. I use Excel 2010.

I have tried two separate subs which create a PT from a selected range. They both work properly, but both have distinct limitations. Neither method creates what I would call a fully functioning pivot table similar to to the native menu drop down Insert-->Pivot Table.

#1
ActiveWorkbook.PivotCaches.Create - full Excel 2010 functionality especially pertaining to pivot table filters. Problem: it breaks when cells in the selected range have greater than 255 characters.

#2
PivotTableWizard - my understanding is that this is an older method. This one does successfully handle greater than 255 characters per cell, but does not allow for Excel 2010 filter functionality.

How do I get the best of both worlds? I think the answer has to do with defining a range in R1C1 format. I would like to generate a PT on a range specified by selection. Thanks very much for any replies!