LeonidS , How can I say this so you understand.   I "never" see the notifications counter over the bell as I should. They show ONLY over the persons icon. If I have a friend request, yes it shows over the persons icon. If I get a notification they ALSO show over the persons icon. "ALWAYS"

Look at the snippet below. It shows 7 over the persons icon.. When I click on the bell I will see 7 new notifications and the counter over the persons icon will clear. I do not have 7 friend requests.