You have a pretty good grasp on what's going on with the files db2005, so I'll see if I can explain the size differences in eq2ui_mainhud_map.xml you noticed. There's something not working as it should though so we'll see if we can tackle that problem as well.
You noticed the references to the 4 core_*.xml files in the new tiny eq2ui_mainhud_map.xml (which I will call the "parent xml file" from here on).
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A couple days ago I broke all the important map data free of the main map XML and put it into those 4 core files. This caused the parent xml file to become significantly smaller (as you noticed) and allows other modders access to the data stored within the EQ2MAP core files. I just double checked and the updater IS grabbing the 4 core files for me. You said you DON'T have the 4 core_*.xml files; this is not good (and the reason when you log in with the small parent xml file you don't get a 3D render and parts of the UI are busted).
My only advice here is to make sure you have the newest version of the updater, and that the "Only Check POI's" checkbox ISN'T checked.
If you have the tiny parent xml file, that's good, it's the newest version, if you still can't get the core_*.xml files, say so and I'll attach them while we try and figure out why the updater isn't grabbing them for you.
Quib
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