Lightroom Classic: Update unable to upgrade old catalogs

Lightroom Classic bug. Trying to open last 2017 and 2016 catalogs to grab images for new Posts. LR tries to upgrade but fails. Removed lock file per tech notes. Doesn't work. LR upgrade just killed all my past work that I want to use in Post. Just approached LR on Twitter. Tired of using the forum because nothing ever seems to get fixed. Fearful of calling Adobe support and getting overseas customer support who I have to repeat the issue with over and over. Issues never get resolved out of frustration. Wish LR had access like Spark Insiders. While Adobe had great products, the mature products have serious quality assurance issues with updates. I am spending more time fixing updates or learning how to cope without the product until the next update. Heavy Sigh...