When I replace the GMDC file in a package (after editing the mesh) the original name is changed. Then I must change it back again to what it was. Although I understand this might be good for some things, I would request an option when "replacing" files to keep the existing name.

Actually when you replace the GMDC file with your new one the name is changed to custom_object.
I don't paste back the original GMDC name, I create instead a new name like "mynick_nameofobject_gmdc".
I remember going through the tutorial for making the new meshes ready for recolors and the advise there was **change this "custom_object" name to something unique**.

If I am doing something wrong, pls give me a sec to take off my glasses before anyone starts slapping :cry: !

If ou give the File a new Name and want to do it by the book, you also need to click on Fix TGI AFTER you commited the GMDC with the new Name.

And when you did that, you also need to change the GMDC Referenc in the GMND File (in the Reference Files Tab).

The best thing would be this.

Open the GMDC File, simpe created for the Clone and copy the Filename (if you cloned the Object with OW this Name is already unique!), the right click the GMDC and replace it with the new File.
Open it again, paste the prev. Filename and just hit commit (no assigna Hash, no Fix TGI). That should be enough.