Is there a problem using a switch timer with a flourescent long-life
bulb? I have had 2 timers do strange things when I replaced an
incandescent bulb with a flourescent.

Such timers ought to have a sticker or notice "incadescent use only"
because they rely on a trickle of current
thru the "off" lamp to run the timer circuit
(rather than using a third wire to supply its own power).