A little love for steam users

I purchased SE5 through steam and I'm having issues (As many are) with the game being unplayable. I can get about 30-50 turns into a game and the game locks up while calculating the computer's turn. I've played both large and small maps and had the same issue.

I've noticed a lot of people have workarounds, mods, or suggestions to change various text files to make it more playable. My problem is I purchased the game through steam. Is it possible for steam to actually give me the entire game, directory and all so that I might implement some of the changes I've seen, or even use a mod? Is there any way to change the files? Additionally, am I going to be unable to use any mods that are created because I bought the game through steam?

I'm a long time space empires fan and have played se4 for hours on end. I'm a little sad that currently se5 is unplayable, its very frustrating to get your empire on its feet, only to have the game lock up. I'd like to play as soon as possible.

So are there any work arounds for steam users, or just wait for a patch to be released and then released through steam?

Any help is appreciated.