Had been using the Community 7.1.2 Android ROM and there are couple of annoying bugs, especially with regard to the Audio via HDMI connected to my LG TV (others with same brand TV have also seen this issue)
I had been using the Android OS for five primary elements:
Kodi
Amazon Prime
Xfinity Stream
You Tube
Browser
So I discovered that my LG Smart TV gives absolutely phenomenal performance with Xfinity App, YouTube App and Amazon Prime loaded directly on the TV - these are actually far superior directly on the TV apps, than they were running under Android on the U9-h - the latter two in 4k.
And Xfinity Stream particularly directly on the TV App is fabulous, in HD now compared to on the PlayStore app for the reg. Android OS
So that leaves essentially Kodi & Browser - the latter is more just a bonus, not an essential (can always look something up on phone if need be at that station!); So decided to give CoreELEC a whirl to see how that would work out.
Wow!!! What a difference in Kodi performance, in both Video and Audio passthrough!
It's quick, even running off the SD Card and the outputs are just amazing when coupled to my TV and SoundBar.
The previously mentioned audio issue from the Android ROM is non-existent on the same box running CoreELEC - which definitely points to the 7.1.2 ROM as the source of the issue.
Another bonus I discovered is that my LG TV, Vizio SoundBar AND CoreELEC
ALL work off the LG Smart Remote! Indeed that was a real un-anticipated extra - I used the connection guide on-screen to connect to both the sound-bar and the Minix and I was literally stunned when I found I could navigate through the CoreELEC GUI using the TV remote.
(I tried this on the Android Platform also after enabling CEC in the Droid settings - and it does 'kinda' work but is limited in Android capability vs how it might be on an Android TV type of platform)
The net result is I have ONLY lost the browser really, but gained a whole lot of performance in all those Apps I use regularly - as well as being able to park my Minix A2 Lite Remote; so no need to juggle multiple remotes or use a Harmony or similar (only benefit I miss from the A2 is the keyboard which is faster than on-screen - but that's not like it's used too often)
I think this is the first time I've been truly happy with the U9-h - and it's really down to 2 factors (neither down to Minix I have to add) - my TV's capabilities and a custom third party ROM!
p.s. I'm sure I could get snappier performance if installing to NAND, but going to keep dual-boot for now as will be relocating this box back to original non-Smart TV in another location in a couple of weeks and will need the Android OS for those Apps mentioned at the beginning (but will keep the CoreELEC for Kodi regardless)