I want to be able to have a version that accepts changes to the WDL files after publishing, can I do this?

As far as I know the only way to do this is writing text files, reading them later on and using the "execute" function. You can't create whole scripts with this method, but you are at least able to execute arbitrary complex statements. But be carefull, this method is slow and you should only do this, when loading something, not during runtime of the game.

If the change was by edting in WED it can be done but a further file needs to accompany the changed wdl file, Acknex.dll(Patch file)

i'm not sure that you can edit the wdls exactly, however, i have yet to release it, but i made a Mod system that allows you to write bits of code in text files, and it modifies the game for you at runtime, so you could use that when i release it. i plan on finishing the tutorial after preva is released, so it would help you a bit.

Not shure about that , but you should try copying a new updated .exe with the wdl files , maby it'll work.
The other way I know is to use diffrent extensions. This doesnt work for your main wdl file , but it works for all other included wdl files. If you change the extension to .txt or for example .my_very_own_script_file it should work.