Wanting off the front lines. I know that feeling well. Ask Jasem, who has lent me a shoulder more than once. ;>
If you see that error again maybe you could paste it here? It might be a clue. When I have had xml file issues I've gotten stuff like that in indiserver feedback. Sometimes it's just because the settings file has not been made/saved yet. Having a working boot does make sense. I actually have set aside an old git clone and called "everything works" ..so naturally I had to go and find a problem that wouldn't fix. LOL
Happy hunting!