Well, I almost always close out Civ V, but I'll keep that in mind.
Subscribed two mods that said they could do the un-bloating process, will try them out when I get home. Glad the timer's off...
EDIT: That did it. Save File Unbloat + Advanced Setup Mod (so I can use standard mods on a hotseat save).
Spoiler: SpectatorsMaya Wonder-sniped me by two turns, FYI. Pics of my turns so far later. Right now I have to go fume and buy Jaguars with failgold.