I didn't change xawtv configs, andOK, I will wait for the change in the kernel.
1) with the patch system did not crash
2) without the patch system crashed
draw your own conclusions.
andIt is strange, but manipulation with the channel list (longer then 15 items) in XAWTV made not only solide lock of the kernel, but also sometimes only crash of the USB driver or PS2 keyboard driver. I think there is (was - not with your patch?) something wrong in the kernel. Maybe some memory problem.
3) if xawtv is able to crash kernel, kernel needs fixing.