JMP will change the number of plots or subplots only if there isn't enough degree of freedom to fit the assumed model. In this case, you just have the minimum number of subplots to provide enough DFs for the fitting of the assumed model, so JMP let you continue, but add a warning message that the subplots variance won't be estimable.
Looking forward to meeting you at a next event ! Have a safe trip back.
Victor GUILLER
"It is not unusual for a well-designed experiment to analyze itself" (Box, Hunter and Hunter)