OK, got it, was a 3-step process
For the component modder -
1. Under File menu, select "Set SE4 Directory", change mask in the file selection window from *.txt to *.*, then locate the SE4 executable. Ignore error noise and message.
2. Under File menu, select "Select TechArea File". Browse to relevant data directory, and select the TechArea.txt file. Ignore error noise and message.
3. Under File menu, select "Load". Browse to relevant data directory, and select the Components.txt file. NOW you should see data in the windows, and a pretty picture where it formerly displayed an ugly "File Not Found" error message.
Like everyone else, I thank you for this. Maybe you could add the three steps above to the README, and spare boneheads like me the potential confusion
"Varmint Six out"