Also Itch claims my zip contains 1053 files even though I am certain it has only 999. No hidden files. How can this be?
Viewing post in File Limit for Project ZIP
I am certain it has
Computers don't make those kinds of errors. If the server counts 1053, it's 100% certain that the ZIP file contains 1053 files.
The error must be happening when you create the ZIP file (either manually or using Butter). You might be adding an extra folder, or perhaps they're part of the RPG Maker executables that are added to your game files.
Try extracting the ZIP file and see what's different compared to your game folder. That's how you'll find out why there are 54 extra files.
If you need further assistance, you'll need to share the ZIP file so I can analyze it.