Hi
As you can see, i install a second version of the template just to test and make my point.
It's working
Strong recommendation:Don't change any source files from the template. If you are not sure of the consequences that changes can generate, don't do it or else you will have problems with any functionality of the template or even extensions.
The only recommended customization are on css level, by enabling the css override on template parameters and them place all your css work.
If you still want to make a different approach on template files, i recommend that you work firstly on local server or live test installation.
Cheers