It worked FINE with it the way it was, and was supposed to, with components and articles extending into that position when it's empty. I may someday want to use that sidebar module position. I don't see how this is the solution to the myriad of problems I've experienced with this template. It worked fine in J3.9, but I've had nothing but problems with it, since the very first download of the quickstart for J4.
Changing the layout is not an option. I don't think I'm in the wrong here. This template has been sketchy since I installed it. I've grown to expect excellence from Joomlart over the many years I've been a subscriber. I've come too far with this site to start over now, and I'm running out of time.
This site should have been completed weeks if not months ago, but it's been one problem after the next. Some of that's my learning curve with J4, I'll admit. But there's something wrong with this template, and I've jumped through every hoop you've asked me to. Please isolate it, step up and solve my issues.