I don't think you must worry about your reputation; everyone realizes that indipendent efforts are challenging.

Disabled decals in dat file:

Version
7.82.3 Extra


Machine specs:
1GB Ram
Win Xp SP3
82845G Integrated Intel GPU
Dell
P4 2.66

First Run:
Sed:
Worked fine after decals set to 0 for Extra

Second Run:
Wed:
loading into wed error "Can't load intensex.h"
Compiled in a few mins and ran without engine error.

Third Run:
Sed:
Error after a few seconds of play:
Error E1201
Nexus too small (0)

Fourth Run:
Sed:
Same error:
Error E1201
Nexus too small (0)

Fifth Run:
Sed:
same as last two

Sixth Run:
Wed:
3 Browser Windows open:
loading into wed error "Can't load intensex.h"
Run fine

Seventh Run:
Wed:
Photoshop Running
Demo ran fine with photoshop in background.

(Would ensure that non player characters are optimized with LODs for low end PCs.)

Looks cool, keep at it. You'll get it worked out.