When you say it doesn't seem to be a permissions issue, does that mean you tried the two permissions-based solutions and they didn't work? Because I don't think I've ever seen this issue on Mac not be solved by either moving the game to the applications folder, or adjusting the permissions, the way this link describes. https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp1203/mac If you did already try those, let me know, and I'll see if I can find any other ideas.
Viewing post in Crossdressing in Camelot comments
That could be the case. I haven't been able to find much for other possible solutions online. You could get the web version and run it through your browser. It has issues with the character creator and you'll need to apply the "web version only required patch" (after applying patch 0.34.11), but it should at least be playable. (If you get a “DataManager.checkError” with the web version this should provide a solution. https://www.reddit.com/r/RPGMaker/comments/dqvdqo/fix_error_failed_to_load_dataactorsjson/ )