This is the basic structure I'm using in an app.
getDatabasePath will handle any detail on unzip, copy, etc,
index will do all the usual dirty work, including withDatabase that won't explode if the database is missing
WatermelonProvider to cover original one til the DB is ready
Ok, @KosolapovR. I haven't had time to implement the solution yet, I had to prioritize other activities, but thanks for the feedback.