Thanks to both. That's got it. .seq saves the fact that I want to use the Kontakt plug-in on tracks rather than the stock GS but it doesn't load the synth. By saving a "default" synth from the DirectX/Options panel, it loads when PT opens and is ready to go. I have my default "live" synth set up with my 6 instrument "band members" and will try to embed midi commands to mute the ones i don't need and set song-specific parameters. It should work.

I feel like I've moved out of the dark ages. I was using a very old version of BIAB and PT (Windows 2000) with a Roland 707 drum machine, an old 8-note poly Kawai synth and an ensoniq electronic piano that is probably now a museum piece. Now I'm virtual, portable and have a lot more room in my basement!