Ok I said this would be quick, so:

1) If I change some values of things, will those new values be reflected in an existing save-game, or do I have to start a new game for them to take affect?

2) I want to mod an Intrigue XML file, specifically 'GovernmentDefs.xml'. I copied this file from my steam directory, and placed it in a new mod folder in MyGames/GC3Crusade/Mods/MyMod/Game/   - is this correct? Do I need to do anything else in terms of getting the game to load whatever changes I make to this file?

Thanks guys!