Editing XML - Conference Size

I've had some success with editing the XML files to move team between conferences, create new teams/conferences, and other fun things.  I do find myself getting stuck when I cut a conference that had a CC game below 12 teams.  I remove the divisions from the conferences file, update the team files to point to the conference instead of division, and update the schedule to move it to a round robin type, but the game never opens.  When I revert the changes, the game opens without issue.

Is there a trick people are aware of to make these types of changes, is there something I'm missing in the code that would resolve this, or am I SOL and should just accept that the SEC needs 12+ teams and a CCG?

Could you please try to sent me your xml files on [email protected] then I can take a look at why it is crashing because in theory it should be possible?

I should have added, this issue was experienced when modifying the FBS/FCS mod files.  I just retried with the Standard fileset and had no issue with any of my attempts to drop a conference below 12, increase a conference above 12, create a new conference, and create a new team.  I think I'll work from that as a base, and work through the names and logos myself.

I gotta say, this is the first time I've found a game that looks like it can accommodate my weird desires to bend/realign/reorganize CFB from the ground up.  I am in love with how open ended this seems, given my dive into these files.  Thank you for your work on the project!

Is there any tips on how make your own mod file?