It sounds like you have a workaround you don't like. I don't have any really constructive answers where you are right now. If you have a pre-installed Tux + kernel, there is not much you can do.
Otherwise:
There was an update to TUX in late 2011. You might want to try to update your system with the newest version. It has lots of bug fixes. Consider reviewing what the update offers, carefully, then decide if it might be worth the effort.
I do not know how to update the kernel-embedded version, the add-on version comes as a package. Updates here:
TuxOnIce 3.2 | TuxOnIce.net