I did change the config file ShowMenu = "true" Then I reapplied the "fake" menu_bp.map Then I started the game and SURPRISE I managed to get to the menu and even start from my old game which I tried. The game showed me the heart and then the window closed. 
I tried starting the game again, and the same happened. Game crashes now after menu 

 which is progress in my eyes 
 
I was going to give you you 2 hpl.log files, one for each attempt, but I messed up with location of the first one and then accidentally deleted it.