'Is there any way to completely disable the "application XXX quit unexpectedly" window that comes up when applications crash' - yes, with (freeware) '
TinkerTool'.
Download and launch 'TinkerTool'.
Click on the 'Applications' toolbar icon button.
Click on the 'When applications crash:' 'Don't display anything' radio button.
Close the window (which quits 'TinkerTool') or quit 'TinkerTool'.