Before this thread crapping escalates to a different level, I decided to spend the energy looking into it.
I think this is just a fluke based on the 10 minute I spent on it, looking at V54.2:
Yes, CAFD_0000000f.caf.005_025_036 is messed up, but CAFD_0000000f.caf.005_025_037 is not. Obviously, the latter is newer.
CAFD_00000794.caf.012_035_117, which is new in 54.2, looks OK. Interestingly enough, 116 is missing in 54.2
This pattern goes on an on. Older files are messed up, but a newer files are just OK. Some of the files are:
cafd_00000909.caf.004_002_027
cafd_0000090a.caf.004_001_016
New NBT CAFD from V54.2: cafd_00000ded.caf.003_013_025 is OK
Again, I didn't look too much into it, but just seeing the pattern is enough for me. I don't have 54.3 yet but I think I'll wait for something newer before I spend more energy into it.
Bottom line is, no, FDL coding is not dead. Worst case, it just makes it more challenging. Best case, it's only a fluke.