Narrowed down the issue after some further investigation:

Neither hook_field_info() nor hook_field_info_alter() are able to update default values of field type settings that were present in hook_field_info() when the custom module was installed. Not sure is this is intended behavior where you can not alter the initial default settings of the field type.

Comments

almc’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

additional info

almc’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

more update

almc’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

More info

almc’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

More info

almc’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

minor update

Version: 7.23 » 7.x-dev

Core issues are now filed against the dev versions where changes will be made. Document the specific release you are using in your issue comment. More information about choosing a version.