as clarification, you said you were using Bluehost as your hosting company?
I also use bluehost, but on a pro account. I have zero of the issues you have mentioned in this thread.
I am curious about the ftp software you use to transfer your files.
or are you using their ftp web online interface?
getting back to your original question, are you modifying the php.ini that in the root of your account, or one that's in a sub directory somewhere? I believe bluehost now only supports php.ini "single mode." and no longer does "directory mode" for boxes they've just updatded to php 7.x
again, the value may be something you can easily ask you host for assistance with
