I've read a number of R-DES threads at AV123 but haven't messed with one. The specific process is pretty different from the SMS-1. Without hunting down the R-DES manual, I can offer a couple thoughts... Are the frequecy sweeps played with a CD? If so, that explains your results. The 990's front channel crossover is set to 80Hz, and with the fronts disabled the sub is on its own. With no LFE track (since it's a CD we're talking pure stereo with just the 990's bass management to provide a signal to the sub), the sub will be active below the crossover point - clearly set to 80hz in your case - and once you cross that point it'll drop fairly rapidly. That should be OK, since you're going to be focusing most of your attention below that crossover point anyway. I suppose that if you were able to get any dips and spikes resolved in that sub-80Hz range and still had an EQ channel or two unused, you could bump the front crossover up to 120Hz or 150Hz and check for fluctuations between 80Hz and 120Hz - the sub would only operate in that range with LFE track material, but it could still see use from time to time. Once you were done, you could set the front crossover back to 80Hz.
One thought occurs to me that may contradict the R-DES instructions. I like having the front speakers on along with the sub when using the SMS-1 because it's a very effective way to achieve an accurate and uniform calibration of sub level relative to the mains. All you have to do is adjust the sub trim (at the sub's amp, in the processor, or at the sub EQ if it offers a volume control) until the average level of the sub (all of that material below the processor's crossover point) is in line with the average level of the front speakers (all of that material above the crossover point). Folks who like their sub a few dB hot or cool can always adjust from that baseline. I don't see why it's necessary to disable the speakers, although I would definitely recommend making sure you are in stereo mode and aren't applying any surround processing.