scook
Importing a previous version config is convenient but not recommend by Cakewalk. I rely mostly on default directories redirected at the OS level with junctions created with mklink.
While I can see the benefits of sticking with Cakewalk recommendations, in my case, it simply wouldn't work because I just have far too many project files and VST plugins and sound fx (on separate physical hard drives) that I must maintain apart from my OS HDD. To add to the necessary complication, each drive is backed up to a local server for redundant safety, including the OS, the VST, and project file drives. It is a well-oiled machine, my studio in those terms. So that convenience factor has always played well to my advantage. My OS HDD is very streamlined with only program files and related files. It's a major hassle, for me at least, reconfiguring things the way I need them without installing on top of the old version. This is why I have always chosen this path less traveled. But like I mentioned, for the most part, it has worked splendidly well in the past. To each his/her own, I suppose. So long as we all are being productive and efficient and spending less time in the bug hunt you mentioned.