(1) LoadRunner has supported UNIX based Load Generators since the very first version of LoadRunner. The Windows based controller has been able to communicate with UNIX (and now LINUX) based load generators since version 5.02. This is a well established model for the use of Load Generators. This is a socket service based communication between a Windows based controller and the LINUX based load generators....which is the same model also used between the Windows based controller and the Windows based Load Generators.
Linux Load Generators are not considered promiscuous, in that they do not support every protocol. The Windows based load generators do support every protocol. It is also the case that the Windows based load generators are the "reference" generators for support, so if you need to call with an issue be prepared to contrast the performance of the Windows based load generators with the LINUX based ones for support purposes.
(2) Can you answer why you edited these values? This would be an unconventional installation with the manual editing of registry keys so if you could explain why you did this it may help us to understand what you are trying to achieve and whether you need to make such modifications to other hosts.