This is directed mostly to Nik (since I've heard him mention both Devuan and 
VLC); but also to anybody else who might have some inkling what is causing 
this issue. 

VLC is (or would be) my media player of choice on most of my machines or 
devices. I use it on my smartphone, and don't need anything else to play 
music, movies, stream videos or radio. (I've tried other media players, yes, 
but they are all inadequate by comparison, at least for my own needs.) So 
many good things to say about VLC ... until about a year or two ago. 

Ever since Jessie it will start up, but then immediately crashes. I've gone 
through looking for conflicts, but nothing obvious jumps out at me. 

Any suggestions about where to look, or what might be causing such an issue? 

Bill