that is weird that MX messed up on a kernel update, I went into the MX package installer and updated to the Debian 5.1 experimental without a hiccup when I was on 4.9 before that. I guess different machines different results. Try out Feren or check out some reviews on YouTube to get a look at it and see what you think. Hell it's a fun way to waste some time and the exploring later after the install.