I think option B is most likely in your case, even if you remove a program, Electrum files stay in the default folder. When you install a new version of Electrum it is just open you old 2014 default wallet which is password protected. If you save seed from that wallet it is easy to bypass password problem by recovering wallet with seed (wallet will be password-free). I would reject the option A since you verify Electrum files.
Hmm, I'm starting to think you could be right. I've had this Mac for almost nine years now(!).
The weird thing is that not a single variation of my passwords are working. Can't imagine making it anything else.
Also, no... no backup of seed key. I have others but nothing for Electrum.
Damn. I'm starting to come to terms with the reality of saying bye bye to about $1000...
Thanks anyway.