44/16 would get you pretty close to where you're at right now. it might give you some added stability in keeping your cr from folding, but i don't really know. 44t rings can fold too. check out sugino messenger rings, they're pretty beefy.

some other important factors in keeping your chainring from folding are a good chainline, perfectly aligned chainring, and a stiff bb area (the frame has a lot to do with this, i'm not familiar with the panic brand). good luck man!