Nice work on your part! :grinthumb
First, we understand the trepidation of BIOS updating but trust us, it is a whole lot better than it was years ago. Here is what you want to keep in mind: DON'T LOSE POWER and you should be fine and don't update on battery power. Run your laptop on AC. This really isn't difficult and it does not take long at all.
To be honest, I read only some of the thread but from what I did read I can't tell if BIOS 208 is stable or not. Certainly BIOS updates can correct issues. We see it all the time.
Here is what I would do: Contact Asus tech support via email and tell them a) your laptop model, b) your issues and what you have done in your attempts to correct them, c) your minidump error codes and the probable causes as cited by the files, and d) ask if the BIOS update 208 is now stable.
Make it short and distinct. Please keep us updated.