service mode - Panasonic g7 (awesome camera)

That all seems pretty clear, but your use of the term dumps isn't. Do you mean "dumps" as in "writes out" (which is the way it is generally used), or do you mean "ignores", ie, "no longer makes use of the data".

I'm aware that in service mode the camera writes out 2 configuration files to the SD card, ie, that is what you refer to as "dumps the alignment data".

But of itself, that is not a bad thing. And I get that you might need that when replacing the PCB.

But can you clarify - are you also implying that the camera ignores this specific configuration data and reverts to the some kind of generic default or unadjusted profiles the entire time it is in service mode? I would have thought if that were the case this might be quite frustrating for service techs, and how would they calibrate the camera if the alignment data is only used in normarvice mode is entered, and exited improperly, the custom

Without going into the specifics, once that special mode is entered the "custom data" for that specific camera is downloaded to the techs PC. At the end of the service, that same  data must be manually reloaded. If you enter that mode, and exit improperly without reloading the custom alignment data, the camera reverts to using the "generic" alignment data that every camera gets when first built. What you are likely left with is a working camera that may not be 100% accurately aligned. It also leaves "a trail of bread crumbs" so the next tech knows errors or what's been done previously. Bottom line, unless you know what you are doing, stay out of these menus or possibly risk voiding the warranty.