There is no need to feel sorry for .19 build not backwards compatible with old progressdata. I may not understand anything about coding/programming, but even I understand when you remaking some structure, old things would likely get in the way and mess things up (plus I'm running on a Patreon preview build that's likely buggier than a stable public build anyway). I just first noticed it before it occurred to me I probably need to do a clean re-install for the new system to work.
I really like the new event for my starter. Having a character develop a relationship with my player character with pre-scripted event does make them more unique than random bandits/monsters I capture out in the wild. Hope something similar will be introduced to all the unique characters after their recruitment quest. Definitely excited for the upcoming feature of quest/event modding.