Great Austin, can't wait to see your "map button fix" plugin in action!
Since there is no further need for fixed map versions no real need to worry about a suffix either. But if this would be necessary I propose using a short suffix to prevent too long names, for example:
as_mansion_desert_2k_bot_modified
The map is totally uninteresting but the name would be kind of a monster...
Regarding the hostage fix, the idea of a configuration file sounds great because it gave total control (for easier handling please stick to a fix relative pathname from the beginning so that it can be included in the map zip file).
Regarding the entity thing - sorry, I'm not a coder, didn't want to bother you pros with my silly concerns...:o
BTW, since the slomo effect (see podbot back into shape thread) depends on the vis table files, could you waypointers please include them with your waypoints?! Would make it a little bit easier... Thank you!