MBP 2017 crashing caused by closed clamshell startup problems

Thanks all.

Just looking to see if this affects anybody else. I tried all the remedies suggested here so far, (recapping): SMC, Safeboot>PRAM. No-go on any differences. In fact that's how I determined exactly how to make the problem happen consistently, as described in my post. Nothing appears out of the expected except it continues to crash. Seems to me that you should be able to start with the cover up or down. Moreover, it used to be my workflow, working fine on MBP 2014 with Sierra and earlier.

Also tried to use another system startup from an external device. No change. I didn't try a bare metal OS install of High Sierra with an old format drive (non-APFS). Am considering trying that one, suggested to AppleCare as a next step.

Went the AppleCare support route because I couldn't determine if it was hardware, software or something else (as in not designed to work this way). Then the advisor referred the problem to to Apple Engineering. They couldn't either despite massive followups (weeks waiting, trying a step, waiting, etc.). So that's where I am now...

Note that I am on High Sierra 10.13.1

Determined by substitution and elimination of hardware that it is a hardware problem and is caused by one of the two connected displays (Dell P2715Q). With that product attached with a DP to USB-C cable the MBP will crash only after restarted from a closed cover (closed clamshell) mode when the cover subsequently re-opened. As this affects the specific model of MBP (from previous experience, not 2014 models with Sierra) and MacOS combo, and the display works in all other aspects, I'm asking Apple for a hardware or software solution covered by AppleCare on confirmation of the situation by them.

Thanks to Allen and kaz for your help!