Illustrator is unusable - crashes when opening any preferences or document settings

I am so frustrated with this.. I can barely use the program. 

I am latest macos, sonoma 14.4.1 - m2 max pro 96 gb ram

Any ideas what I can try--I tried uninstalling, starting with preferences reset--nothing. 

I am wondering if it is a plugin that ruined this? I did install "Overlord" plugin which is used to more easily transfer layered files to AE-- but I unstalled that so not sure how that would still be part of the equation. 

Any tips or help would be GREATLY appreciated, thank you