macOS close button doesnt quit VLC, but it used to?

[vlc_98798]

macOS version: 12.6
VLC version: 3.0.17.3

Some background on my question before someone jumps in with "on macOS the red X closes the window not the application":
I like to run multiple instances, so I use this workaround which has worked flawlessly for several years: https://wiki.videolan.org/VLC_HowTo/Pla ... instances/

Yesterday I was experimenting with some SBS (sidebyside) VR video - specifically I changed the cropadd filter settings and video codec, saved my settings, closed & reopened VLC. It did NOT have the desired result, so I Reset All in preferences, then went back and tweaked VLC the way I like it (dark mode, etc.).

Prior to this experimentation, clicking the window close button also quit VLC. Now it doesn't. I've re-created the droplet/app and that didn't resolve the issue. I've also tested with the VLC app instead of my multi-VLC droplet/app and see the same behavior.

Does anyone have any insight on a possible fix?