I was able to get publisher to crash pretty regularly. What it seems to be is a problem with 'linked' resources, especially when switching between Mac and Windows versions (and therefore, Mac and Windows file paths). I had a file that had linked resources originally created/edited on a Mac. I was able to open it on Windows, and fix the missing links with Windows file paths. After saving the file and trying to reopen on my Mac, it would immediately crash Publisher. I went back on my Windows machine and switched the resources to be embedded, and then the file was easily opened on my Mac also. I hope this helps someone...
