I also had a lot of random crashes. Until now I can't pinpoint a particular reason, seems different every time it happens. I had some crashes when I pasted some sprites from one project to another, also when closing the Editor after changing the original size of a sprite.
Usually C2 rarely crashes in my experience, but I'll follow your lead by going back a version because I really need to get something done and the crashing/manic "save all the time" is getting a bit frustrating.