However one does this:
mysql> select * from mdl_config where name = 'version';
in Postgres ... do it.
The fix might very simple ... put data in that column of the mdl_config table.
'Tedious installing' .. maybe y'all need to look into using git for installs then ... git enabled sites much easier to maintain update and upgrade wise then.
As far as xferring all courses ... moosh can do. I know that for a fact.
'spirit of sharing', Ken