So I tried changing the tech level to 20 for E and W in the .M file (a value not tied to the race wizard). The .M file opens just fine, and shows me with a tech level of 20 in each field. I can modify the file, and there's no checksum (at least on those fields). (also means I could likely hack those into a game, but leaving that as a separate question. Hmm, starting a game with Tech 26 but only 25k pop).