QUESTION: Is there an easy way to create and run a sample life on "fictitious" data?

ANSWER: Yes.

1. Create a new database for the fictitious data using Database | Current Database | New.

2. Create the necessary fields in your new database using Database | Edit Data | Add Fields.

3. Create fictitious records using Database | Edit Data | Spreadsheet Edit.  To add more records, click Edit | Add New Records.  Once you have appended a blank record (or multiple blank records), you may enter values in the record's database fields.  

4. When running a sample life (e.g., under Execute | Valuations), refer to the sample life database.