Autosave of Sessions

Recent versions of WinSCP (and the latest beta) insist on saving the session paths as the program closes. I have tried both registry and ini file options without success.

I know I can make the ini file read-only but then I make regular changes and additions.

Previous versions allowed me to save when in a session and it would not overwrite. Now I have to set directories every time I use WinSCP.

Is there a way around this, or do I need to use an older version (shame)?

I'm not sure if understand. I hope you refer to the fact that since 5.0.6, WinSCP enables by default session setting Remember last used directory. Just turn it off, if you do not like it:
https://winscp.net/eng/docs/ui_login_directories