I apologize for the delay, I appreciate the feedback. For these purposes I'm using Windows 10 64-bit. I didn't think to check the version, I just now switched to 0.5.19c.
I may have something going on, on my end. I took a brand new 'installation' of 0.5.19c and took the script provided in https://pastebin.com/SCDggsDh
and dropped it into /mods/extended/scripts/explorationregions.gd
It actually prevents me from using any of the main menu buttons after the mod is selected, and it applies itself (and I restart the game.). If I look in the /Strive folder with the .exe on my desktop, all the files now read 0kb or 1kb. A fresh 'install' of 0.5.19c without applying mods fixes the issue. I'm not sure what would cause this issue, possibly something on my end/my machine specifically, I'll try it on a laptop and see what shakes out.