EDIT
I've noticed if all I load is an ESM, I can save to an esp. So I tried making a small change loading just an ESM. But when I went to load an esp that has info I need to edit, and try to save, it crashes.
EDIT2
Well I have figured out to make a small starting change with just an ESM loaded. It'll allow me to save. The without closing the CS, load the other esp's I need. Then I can continue with my esp, already saved as active, and it will allow me to save. So far. That's a lot to go through though to make an original esp.