there is a way to change them yes, but it requires modding the GalaxyScenarioDef file in the GameInfo folder of the sins files

and yes it is very annoying, I had to a lot of messing with this file when creating some of the scenarios I created (name changing, adding ships to gravwell, etc). the options in the GalaxyForge that were added later dont work

true good point, still you have to go around GF instead of using the options that are supposedly available

I'm having what I believe is a related problem.  I made a map scenario that randomizes starting positions and then sets that position to specific race.  When I force the player to a specific race, the picture tile used for the player doesn't get set right.  At first it wasn't setting the name right either, but then I realized Galaxy Forge wasn't saving data to the "themeGroup" and "pictureGroup" variables, so I edited them manually.   Now the name seems race appropriate, but the picture does not.  I took a look at the strings file, and it seems like I am using the right parameter.  Here is a sample player definition from the map:

player
    designName "TEC2"
    inGameName ""
    overrideRaceName "Tech"
    teamIndex -1
    startingCredits 3000
    startingMetal 800
    startingCrystal 250
    isNormalPlayer TRUE
    isRaidingPlayer FALSE
    isInsurgentPlayer FALSE
    themeGroup "PlayerTech"
    themeIndex 0
    pictureGroup "PlayerTech"
    pictureIndex 0

Is the pictureGroup parameter wrong?  I have looked and can't find examples to compare against; it seems people leave these fields blank in their custom maps.  It doesn't affect how the map plays, but it would be a nice touch to have the racial pic match the race when in game.

Thanks!