To make sure I understand.. Since I can't run bitcoind as a background process started from Armory, in order to keep an Armory wallet on my computer, I have to keep Bitcoin Core and Armory running side-by-side constantly..?
For Armory to go online, it needs a local instance of Core. If auto bitcoind is failing, you will have to Start BitcoinQt manually
prior to starting Armory every time. It is critical that BitcoinQt is fully sync'd before you start Armory, so if you have not run Core in a few days, let it catch up before you start Armory.
Latest thing I'm having now: I start Armory and it seems suddenly stuck at organizing blockchain ?!
Log files please
any suggestions on trouble-shooting bitcoind crashing when started from Armory?
Probably something to do with your /blocks or binary path (the ones in File -> Settings). It is either getting mangled or it's invalid (non ASCII chars?). Auto bitcoind is a feature for default setups, i.e. you didn't customize your system and installation at all. If you intent to customize (like you did), I strongly suggest against using auto bitcoind.