Well, I tried the uninstall/reinstall through Steam. I may have to uninstall completely somehow or try the standalone and see what happens. Loaded silvams after a fiasco of maneuvers, but there's just black areas for crowds on those, too. Tried about every setting imaginable. Went through 17's ballpark folder to compare directories and files, and one strange thing is among silvam's parks, there's one with a background.
So, no crowds at all, simplifed or not. Losing my mind. Been there, done that, never recovered. Part of my problem, I suppose. Last year it was getting facegen to run, this year this. Overcame last year. Hope to this year. I guess I'll stop being a bother for now, other than posting what I have to evaluate for those who can in a few pics next. Then, I don't know. I don't think I can go back to 2D. I'll keep plugging until I'm forced to surrender. If that's the case, then guess it'll be a long wait for v19 and maybe a lottery win for a new laptop, just in case that's the culprit. I can imagine it is though. v17 still seems to do just fine.
Anyway, getting tired of seeing my laments here, just as you probably are, too. The pics, then the last of me for awhile. Thanks all who have been so kind.