The core team should ask Softaculous to stop offering to upgrade Elgg, because it really can't handle that.

FYI http://learn.elgg.org/en/2.x/appendix/releases.html

My opinion is that if you have to use Softaculous (or any other kind of auto-installer) then you're in bad shape to begin with.  I've had countless one-off paydays fixing installations gone wrong by these things, done by people who don't know any other way.  It's not specific to Elgg either, I've seen WP and Drupal sites messed up by such installers, as well as forums packages.

They're basically a tool for simple install with no support for people who need the most support.

The core team should ask Softaculous to stop offering to upgrade Elgg, because it really can't handle that.

I think it depends. I've done elgg upgrades with Softaculous without any repercussions. However I didn't perform upgrades such as going from 1.8 to 1.9, or 1.9 to 1.12, etc. Just from 1.8.2 to 1.8.18, etc.

Actually Softaculous is a very safe auto installer and gives you more details about your installation and easier backups. It really depends on how you use it.

Have you ever thought it might not be Elgg that is broken but just your installation? Apparently, no one seems to have these kind of problems but you.

And nobody forces you to upgrade. Stay with Elgg 1.8 if you are happy with it. But don't expect others to provide you for support for lifetime for Elgg 1.8. At some points others might want to move on and add some new stuff to Elgg - that isn't backward compatible anymore - and how else to introduce this if not with new versions of Elgg?

And your problem with Elgg 1.12 might be described at http://learn.elgg.org/en/2.0/appendix/faqs.html?highlight=redirect#login-token-mismatch (and a solution provided is described there, too).

Hello,

The best way to deal with version changes is by having a Test site where you can see if the new version has compatibility issues.

I strongly suggest to read the Elgg Docs: http://learn.elgg.org

Elgg 1.12 and 2.0 feel faster and more stable than previous versions. Besides, upgrading makes your elgg network more secure and less buggy. 

See http://docs.elgg.org/wiki/I_don%27t_like_the_wording_of_something_in_Elgg._How_do_I_change_it%3F

But most probably, the hint texts are given while you configure the profile fields in the admin panel

First, you should remember the original developers of that plugin speak English as a second language and would probably appreciate constructive feedback about any misspellings in their foreign language.

Second, changing language strings is well documented if you search.

Third, as an admin who I hope is concerned about his users, you should upgrade to 1.9 to keep your site safe and feature rich for everyone on who visits.

Finally, dropping the attitude is the best approach when asking for help in an foss project.

Profile manager plugin feature -> profile manager plugin language file ('profile_manager:register:hints:email').

1. Be nice
2. People have no idea what plugin you're even talking about

Here:

https://community.elgg.org/plugins/1605050/1.1/contact-us
 

It adds a nice form with captcha and also adds a "contact us" link on footer.

or https://community.elgg.org/plugins/1070975/1.8.2/elgg-1819-feedback

stu--- @Dodobrid wasted almost week .. if u searched it perfectly you can get the answer other wise you ask in the community .. this the best community which help you lot ..:D