how about this. when you first get to a linux terminal do this
hit >alt< F2
in the run box type "xkill"
your cursor will change to a little target. click that target on the kicker bar. your kicker bar will now disappear.
do the alt.F2 thing again
in the box type xterm, or your the name of your favorite terminal program.
run kicker from there. make sure to leave that terminal up and open. now when kicker crashes, you should have some error messages.