I've tested loading a model from a location that's in the search paths, but for me it loads like it should without any meta etc.
So unless you place a model inside the parts or p folders the meta shouldn't be needed. Only exception on this is the presence of a 2..5 line in the model file, which will degrade the model to a part. Which for large models causes the yellow cross and all others will be read only after loading.
If you think things aren't like I saying, could you send me your log files please (you'll find my email on the LDCad site). That way I see your search order and model locations etc in one go.
So unless you place a model inside the parts or p folders the meta shouldn't be needed. Only exception on this is the presence of a 2..5 line in the model file, which will degrade the model to a part. Which for large models causes the yellow cross and all others will be read only after loading.
If you think things aren't like I saying, could you send me your log files please (you'll find my email on the LDCad site). That way I see your search order and model locations etc in one go.