2) Why does v1.1 sound so different to v2?
1.1.6, which was never put into general release, added the ability to completely disable any communications with the sound hardware. This was required on some systems to get Winamp to play music (or other programs that generate periodic sounds to do their thing) while the Aquarium was running.
That is the only thing I can think of that might cause a sound difference.
3) There isn't an program I own (code many of my own doncha know) that I do not "gut", and inspect it's innards therein, MA is no exception. What is the "official" take on MA modifications? I've seen some of the ghastly inept efforts doing the rounds, however, if an acceptable mod were to raise it's ugly head (hum) perhaps as an (IPS) patch, would the developers turn a funny colour, or a blind-eye? (..an example of my personnel (somewhat subtle) modifications below.
We don't do that sort of thing here.
As you can see, however, the door is very slowly creaking open to other Prolific-sponsored artists being able to contribute to the Aquarium. Ken's 5 new fish are, so far, generating a generally positive response. If you think your graphic design/3D capabilities make the grade, e-mail Prolific.
however, if an acceptable mod were to raise it's ugly head
I think the problem is, the people who ARE artistic and capable of doing good fish have too much respect for Jim to leak these out. Which leaves the hackers, and we've seen what they are cranking out.
Attached; I've compressed the image a little (keep file size down) This is an edit I started on receiving v2, the starfish isn't done
Looks like your attachment got snarfed.
There is presently no "underground" Aquarium forum I can refer you to and we don't support/condone those kinds of mods here. You're welcome to e-mail me pictures of anything you want. I can be a pretty harsh critic though!