While I wait for a fix to an issue V12 presented, I'll briefly mention my overall thoughts since I've been using your pack exclusively to play Stellaris over the last few months (as you know).

I was taking a look at the upcoming changelogs for V13, and I wanted to be upset that you're removing some of my favorite mods such as Technology Ascendant and Unique Ascension Perks. Then I looked at it from your perspective as the mod creator. I then realized that you're setting a high standard of quality for the modpack, and keeping redundancy to a minimum while attemping to maximize performance. The "breakthroughs" from technology ascendant were NEAT, but when you get to later game and get ACOT tech, you realize that none of this is necessary at all and will quickly be forgotten in the tech pool. Removing some of the armies and worthless origins also adds an element of cleanliness as well, because many of these mods are just filler that don't -really- change the gameplay much.

Long story short, you've been making ALL of the correct decisions while keeping in mind the purpose of the modpack and what playthroughs will end up looking like. Removing technology ascendant? Who cares - Delta/Alpha/Stellarite/etc tech will quickly overpower all of the filler that pops up on your screen. I will not play Stellaris without this modpack. Keep up the great work.