I agree. Although it's a "fringe" condition as you say, it's definitely a reproducible issue and should not have been referred to support.

AndyDavis
When X3 was first released, I managed to get a small project into a very weird state.  I reported the issue as CWBRN-19917 and was told to contact tech support.  I did this, but they have not replied except for the 'got your message' canned e-mail.  This was 10/1.
 
Here's how I described it:

1. Load project
2. Hit Play

Expect: 

•  Playback begins. Since the project is empty, you should just hear the metronome.

Actual Result:

• Run/Stop Audio engine indicator, goes out.
• Timeline does not advance
• If Run/Stop Audio engine is clicked, the metronome is heard, but the timeline does not advance. 

I would appreciate it if someone could d/l this project  and see if they get the same behavior.  I have noticed that there is a short audio file in the audio folder that shouldn't be there (there's no actual audio in the project).  If I delete the audio file, the project indicates that it will replace it with silence, but then the project is usable.
 
If it's just my system, I'm not too concerned, because I just recreated the project (it was a practice project that had virtual instruments and plug ins, so I could load it up to noodle on drums, keys, or guitar.) However, if it isn't just me, I'd like Cake to take a look because they are handling whatever's wrong very badly.
 
Thanks,
Andy

I downloaded the project and opened it up in our newest build (X3b) and it seems to be working just fine. About how long after hitting play to does strange behavior take place?
-DG

It's instant; the project never starts.  I have seen this in X3a & X3b.  
 
Not sure what's different between our setups: make sure that you're using local directories for the audio; I noticed that if I didn't include the audio file and let Sonar replace the file with silence, that the project would work as expected.