Can't change backend graphics on starship.cfg.json

I'm having issues with DirectX 11 where the game keeps crashing. I tried changing the starship.cfg.json file, but when I launch the game, it reverts back to DirectX 11. Even with the file set to read-only, the game still only opens in DirectX 11.

Start by locating the code that reads and writes starship.cfg.json, then reproduce the DirectX 11 launch behavior described in the issue. Trace why the selected graphics backend is overwritten; done means a configured backend remains selected when the game launches.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.