As reported in
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3934
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3938
2.2.3 Kernel Paincs, which led me to stay on 2.2.2 & 14.7.x awaiting 2.3.0.
Now, I tried installing 2.3.0 on 14.7 & it worked.
I then upgraded to 15.6 - and it also worked.
BUT upon re-boot, 15.6 then Kernel Panicked once again.
In desparation, I cold-booted 100% by also turning off the power at the socket
And after having done that 2 times, 15.6 booted as expected on my MacPro 5.1
So, it seems as if the work-around for the Kernel Panic is a 100% cold-boot incl shutting power off at the socket.