Possible workaround option...
There have been times I haven't been home in order to re-start Xlights to keep my lights running. My power is on timers, and usually I'd just use the scheduler to kick in. As a temporary solution until this issue is resolved, I installed TeamViewer on my computer and on my smart phone.
TeamViewer is a FREE package which allows you to remote into your computer. I've used it already, and it was a great help. All I had to do was re-start Xlights after the crash remotely, and I was up and running. Whether I was there or not.
Just thought I'd share the suggestion for others who might be in the same situation.