refactor and fixes for episode handling gav

ui/preferences.py

@@ -64,6 +64,18 @@ def load_trackers():
                 print(e)
 
 
+def _load_settings_after_startup():
+    """Apply the config once Blender has a normal context available."""
+    if not getattr(bpy.context, 'scene', None):
+        return 0.5
+
+    try:
+        bpy.ops.vse_toolbox.load_settings()
+    except RuntimeError as e:
+        print(f'Could not load VSE Toolbox settings at startup: {e}')
+    return None
+
+
 def load_prefs():
     prefs = get_addon_prefs()
     prefs_config_file = prefs.config_path
@@ -97,6 +109,11 @@ def load_prefs():
     except AttributeError:
         pass  # Scene not available yet during register()
 
+    # Loading preferences only sets the config path and tracker credentials;
+    # apply the project configuration once Blender has finished registering
+    # and provides a normal context (register() uses _RestrictContext).
+    bpy.app.timers.register(_load_settings_after_startup, first_interval=0.1)
+
 
 class Trackers(PropertyGroup):
     def __iter__(self):