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you can get kydex in a carbon fiber pattern. Amazon has.

Last pic. Looks like formed carbon shot blockers?

One thing to try before you go spending money is to try a different lacing style (if you search there is a thread or two that discusses various lacing techniques and pros/cons of each). My old Bauers were so stiff/high that I never felt I got enough fwd lean, but when I undid the top eyelet I too felt sloppy... I found the key was to skip the second from the top eyelet (look at pics of Crosby and his skates, he does the same), this gave me the support I was used to but loosened it just enough to allow more fwd lean, it was a win-win for me. Like I said, it might be worth a try before you go spending money (and even then you might like it and do it in whatever skates you get next).

I'd go see a physiotherapist - they're the ones trained to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal issues. Clearing the x-ray means no avulsion injury (tendon/ligament did not rip off its attachment to the bone) - it does not clear a ligamentous or tendinous tear. An MRI may be indicated if the subjective or physical examination points towards a tear. Ultrasounds aren't very reliable so we don't use them a lot here - and similar to the MRI, it has to be indicated for it to be ordered. With a full ACL rupture, you'd feel the pop on the inside of the knee and would be unable to skate on it after, so if anything it likely wouldn't be a full tear of that, at least. A meniscus tear could cause instability because its job is to provide stability. Clicking and catching is what might be expected from a meniscal tear. There isn't close to enough information given here to direct any kind of advice, actually. Something is definitely torn (any kind of sprain or strain is a tear, just to what degree) or there wouldn't have been oedema. See a physiotherapist is my recommendation.

See a specialist.