Firmware update to my CableMatters thunderbolt/USB-C/PD dock seems to have fixed my issues (no occurances since).
I suppose I have to assume that improved driver support in the newer kernel may have exposed some issues in the hardware that were fixed with the update.
Notably I can run dual 1440p with full 4k panel on the laptop open as well, so one of those 3 display quirks I mentioned also disappeared.
Firmware update to my CableMatters thunderbolt/ USB-C/PD dock seems to have fixed my issues (no occurances since).
I suppose I have to assume that improved driver support in the newer kernel may have exposed some issues in the hardware that were fixed with the update.
Notably I can run dual 1440p with full 4k panel on the laptop open as well, so one of those 3 display quirks I mentioned also disappeared.