http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1513775557663-28219.png
All we need now is information on this latest Beta release. 
Posted 25 minutes after your post, your nudge must have worked.
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=212009.0
Not much in the changelog.
Changes / Fixed BugsFixed crash of Avast service during computer shutdown Added localization for new features in 17.9</blockquote>But no mention at all about the infamous UI failed to open bug (seen many times in the forums) being squashed yet.