A new, descriptively titled thread has been started for your good advice to stick with what works - there's no mandate to update. The latest is here. Running under WINE is unusual and conceivably a cause of odd behavior. Current releases or betas can always be tested unlicensed, features evaluated, and quirks discovered.
General tips...
Before beginning a new project click OPTIONS | DISK tab and Clear Unused Cache Files.
During editing Save Project File AS routinely, giving it a unique # or name, so as not to overwrite prior saves. Using Save Project Files (no AS) will overwrite. Then nothing should ever be lost as back ups of the project will be available.
If creating a multi-track/effect or 2K/4K project, it can be wise to break it into parts, export those parts and merge them later. The 'collage/virtual choir' sticky at the top of this forum offers many tips. The object is to keep the processing load as minimal as practical, for quickest response and accurate export. VP is subject to Windows 32-bit memory limitations. In time, a 64-bit version will be along.