The files use the standard packing DF uses on the raws and save fields. It's a very simple format once you decompress it. In fact, after I perform the simple transformation into a text file, it's extremely easy to edit. The main reason I started this thread was to see if how many people are interested in even greater flexibility of modding, since the tool can also be used to edit some of the other files in the data directory.
The transformed files are plain text, and uses [...] tags to provide formatting information just like the raws. Which is also why the [5] and [25] weren't showing in the help file... because I forgot to rewrite that bit to fix the brackets.
For example, here's the code for the help on building clutter.
building_clutter
[TITLE]The Manual: Building Clutter[/TITLE]
When viewing building tasks or items, the amount of clutter is displayed at the top right of the menu. Clutter is caused by items in the building.
[B]
Building clutter slows tasks:
[C:0:0:1](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by two times.[R]
[C:7:0:0](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by three times.[R]
[C:7:0:1](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by four times.[R]
[C:6:0:1](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by five times.[R]
[C:4:0:0](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by six times.[R]
[C:4:0:1](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by seven times.[R]
[C:5:0:1](CLT)[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by eight times.[R]
[C:5:0:1]*CLT*[C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by nine times.[R]
[C:5:0:1][CHAR:15]CLT[CHAR:15][C:7:0:0] Work is slowed by ten times.[R]
In order to reduce clutter, you must remove items from the building. You can do this by storing them properly.
[B]
[LINK:data/help/storage]Storage[/LINK]