Surefire finds test classes but ignores test methods and configuration methods with TestNG and includes tag

Attachment contains 2 projects which are identical except for how the test cases are referenced. In one project they are referenced via a suite xml file. In the second they are referenced using the includes tag. I believe they should produce identical results.

Both projects find all 6 test classes, but only the one using a suite xml file actually executes the configuration methods and test methods. The project using an includes tag completely ignores the configuratiion methods and test methods.