Always open Classic Outlook?

I've searched for info on only opening Classic Outlook in Office 24, but am stumped. Every time I switch using the toggle, New Outlook springs back to life every time I restart the app and I have to toggle again. In response to the common fixes:

1. There's one "Outlook" exe, so I can't rig up a different icon.
2. There isn't an option anymore within Outlook to only open Classic.
3. The registry option has been removed.

If my suspicions are correct, and there is no way to permanently switch to Classic anymore, does anyone know what the best older Office version is to buy? I've got the money - I just hate New Outlook.