uninstalled 1.8 (weeks ago now
)
upgraded to 10.8.2 --> rebooted
installed 1.8 --> rebooted
Immediately got the "hidden" username/password box, logged in anyway and used hot corners to activate screensaver and apps started crashing just as before... For me, 10.8.2 didn't fix anything.
*sigh* I guess I'll stare at my blank 24" monitor a while longer...