> I daren't upgrade, as downgrading isn't a practical option after
> upgrading, and the old (reliable) kernel is unlikely to work properly
> with an otherwise Intrepid system.
I don't know why you would think so. My dad's laptop hasn't worked properly with any kernel since Feisty. I've upgraded that system to every new release; I just keep using the Feisty kernel (2.6.20). Works fine.