If a third party solve is acceptable to you, we make a product called SPL(TM) 2 (Smart Pick Lists) which is now in it's 3rd generation.
It allows you to retrieve the latest list of default values for your pick list parameters from any number of databases, including support cascading parameters (i.e. depending on what you select for country, region will display different values, etc.) with out actually modifying the report template itself.
Or if you're not looking for a dynamic list driven by a database, you may wish to look at our recently launched .rpt Inspector(TM) 2 Professional Suite which allows you to modify default values (and lots more, like set location, change driver, verify, and more) across multiple parameters across one or more reports.
Both products are available for a FREE 30 day trial.
Software Forces, LLC
now available ".rpt Inspector 2 Professional Suite (for CR5.x-CR8.5)" and ".rpt Inspector 2 Professional Suite (for CR9.x)"
=====> download your FREE 30-day trial today! @
proud makers of ".rpt Inspector" brand for Crystal Reports,
"SPL (Smart Pick Lists)" for Crystal Enterprise, and "SmartObjects" for Seagate Info & Crystal Enterprise.
Coming soon ".rpt Inspector 3 Enterprise Suite" for Crystal Enterprise