The only time i've ever suffered the CTD was when I didn't close my recognition book before I clicked the stad button.
Other than that, i've never had a problem. I run at 100% realism so the unstabilised TBT etc.
Athlon 64 3400
1 gig
Geforce 6600
so 1024 res and all options off, except the ship mapping one.
Don't know if that helps or not, but I thought i'd report it.
