I’m thinking that the next step is to try the CPM A14 build (for CE NG 21.2), with the updated advanced settings XML to bring the CPU usage a bit lower. Ref: Release A14 · cpm-code/xbmc · GitHub
Next, I’ll try Simonhust’s build (for CE NG 21.3): Release A14-Kodi.21.3 · simonhust/cpm-a14-xbmc · GitHub . With the modified advanced settings as in the official A14 build.
Please advise if this is a sound plan. I shall report my observations/logs soon.