Ok, here's an interesting observation from a Sprint Mogul User.

I recently upgraded my phone to the new Rom (2.16). With that ROM version, there was no audiopara file in the windows directory. In fact, that file was non-existent on the device. I used total commander to search and it came up empty on the device.

So, I downgraded to the old rom since the new one has issues. Still no audiopara file.

Finally, I hard reset and took the phone back to factory default and what do you know... audiopara file is in the windows directory now.

I'm going to try your fix and see what I think of it. Given that the updated rom blasted that file (on my phone) I hope future rom updates either increase phone volume as you have done or they at least leave the file alone so the hack can be applied.

Update: I just installed the file. It copied directly on top of the factory file. I used the fine one since I can't seem to hear it now and can't imagine wanting to turn it down. I honestly can't tell a difference in how loud it is. I'm certain I did it correctly... It even asked me to confirm the overwrite of the file which, of course, I said yes. I doubled check the file and it is there with the new date and such. What gives? Is it quite a bit louder or just a little?