Issue with File Upload Field being marked 'required' in latest GF update v2.9.18 & Pods GF Add-on v 1.5.1

[vmw-ctshudy]

TLDR Issue:

When a Gravity Form includes a File Upload Field, and that field is set up to accept multi-file uploads, with the Pods Gravity Form Add-on enabled (even with no feed set up for that field) it causes an error, preventing the submission of the form.

---

I have a site with only the following installed:

Public test site: https://vmwtestsite.wpenginepowered.com/?page_id=20

Gravity Forms | v2.9.18

Pods - Custom Content Types and Fields | v3.3.3

Pods Gravity Forms Add-On | v1.5.1

WordPress v6.8.2

PHP v8.4

---

Using v2.9.16 of Gravity Forms this compatibility issue does not exist, the GF changelog suggests some changes to the file upload field which may point you in the correct direction.

---

Steps to reproduce:

1. Install GF, Pods, Pods GF Add-On.

2. Create a form with a file upload field. You MUST enable "Enable Multi-File Upload".

3. Place the form on a page with a shortcode (or any other method so far as my testing has shown)

4. Successfully upload a file to the form.

5. Hit submit.

Expected outcome - submission sends.

Observed outcome - it says, "There was a problem with your submission. Please review the fields below." on the file upload field, "At least one field must be filled out". Upload is removed, and reset.

---

I have tested this with and without the Add-on enabled on the site and it's deterministically the source of the issue. I've tested it with a single file (while multi-file is enabled) and it errors out, I tested it with multiple files (and multi-file is enabled) and it errors out. Tested it with a max num files set and left as default, all errors out.

[codepuncher]

I am also experiencing the same issue across multiple sites.

[codepuncher]

@sc0ttkclark is there anything we can do to help diagnose the cause of the issue and help find a solution?