FH has the ability to edit some EPS file, but not all. In fact eps files FH exports are not editable unless you check "Include Freehand". If you have "Convert Editable EPS On Import" checked in the preferences then they will be editable if FH can do it. If not you will have to use some other way to convert them, like you are doing.

Mark
Sawtooth G4 400 MHz
384 MB RAM