Correct me if I'm wrong but the move to spb format (a) happened before (G1000 Cirrus?) and (b ) does not necessarily relate to any wish of protection. I don't even know if the spb file allows for any encryption, it could well be that it's just faster and leaner (when executed in the sim). But me is no dev.

 

Also, there are utilities converting spb to xml and back, I think.

spb files are not an impediment to making changes... luckily  :rolleyes:

Tried it but can't get it to play nice with P3D, Sometging about the propdefs not being found despite linking to the folder. Which is annoying because it'll only take 30 mins to fix the fuel indications.

Nothing can stop Carenado modders from doing their work!

Sad, but not entirely surprising.