Your system does not matter. It is a text file. The root of the problem is simple, just a line in every ERC script.
There are two solutions:

Null figure

Coming out the the Library, the controlling Figure # is usually #=1
since Poser inserts a new - Figure # - for the controlling figure on every save, a PZ3 may have a Figure # other than #=1 if the Figure 1 is burned by a Null. If you have cross-talk with the PZ3, Poser is obviously inserting the same Figure # in both V2 and M2. This would be considered a bug in the program, if those who added this feature, realized its potential. I don't think this was the case. They added something much bigger than they knew.
Anyway, Null does not seem to be a solution with a PZ3.

1. Text edit.

The problem is done on Save, not Open.
Edit the controlling Figure in the saved file before you open it. EditPad Lite for a V2 file by itself so, the two together must be really big.
Just do a Find = Figure ? You just must look and see
Replace = Mike or Vic
Then scroll down to where the second figure is and
Find = Mike(or Vic) Replace = Vic (or Mike) and check the box that says "from cursor location"

2. Remove the problem at the beginning

Since you are using a defined Vic and a defined Mike character, Spawn morphs for each. Make a clean Vic and Mike CR2 (clean = no construction morphs). Copy the character morphs to the clean CR2 for each and use it.
No cross-talk, CR2 files that are 1/4-1/3 the size, better Poser performance.

(This method will not solve cross-talk with JCM or JCJ figures.)