MIDI settings per track not saved

I created a project and setup midi channels (A-1, B-2 etc.) then saved it to use as a template but when I open the project I have to re enable the midi channels.
I RTFO but may have missed something
not a big deal to click on the wheel and dial in Channel 1 but I eventually want to setup CC for Filter Cutoff to hit with an LFO and other stuff.

am I missing something?