It seems strange that this would work. Does that mean, theoretically, that you could run any version of M&B:W and it would work if you changed that line?
I renamed a variable name, I didn't touch its value. Syntax changed, semantic behavior doesn't change.
If you intentionally give wrong version, then your client may be incompatible with the server, and it
can end up in wierd situations, if it works at all. I think it will interrupt your connection, but better not try.
cRPG has to match version with cRPG, not Warband inner version.
Mods should not die whenever a little bugfix comes out.
The problem was, that now they made a mistake.