[Help] Flashing 1st Gen Moto G (XT1031) Stock to CM12.1 or CM13, never boots

I posted this over on the CM forums, but wanted to post here as well for visibility.

I have multiple (read as 30+) 1st Gen Boost Moto Gs (XT1031) and this has been a problem on every.... single.... one...

Stock OS Info
Android Version: 4.4.2
Baseband version: MSM8626BP_1032.355.66.00R
Kernel version: 3.4.0-gc6fc9e1-00001-gf3bf628
System version: 175.44.1.falcon_cdma.Boost.en.US
Build number: KXB20.9-1.10-1.18-1.1
Bootloader: 41.1A
Recovery: twrp-2.8.7.0.-falcon_STOCK_NOTHEME

I've also tested with the Stock 4.4.4 and 5.1 Soak Test OS versions, both have the same results as well.
Additionally, this happens regardless of whether GAPPS is flashed or not.

I've tried the following, and ALWAYS results in an endless boot that just constantly stays on the CM Android head boot animation unless I flash & boot to CM11 first:

(Note: A TWRP Factory Reset is performed before flashing each new ROM)

CM11 - cm-11-20140504-SNAPSHOT-M6-falcon.zip
Stock -> CM11 = Boots and works fine

CM12.1 - cm-12.1-20151115-NIGHTLY-falcon.zip
Stock -> CM12.1 = Endless Boot
Stock -> CM11 (without booting to OS) -> CM12.1 = Endless Boot
Stock -> CM11 (Booted once) -> CM12.1 = Boots and works fine

CM13 (all nightly versions)
Stock -> CM13 = Endless Boot
Stock -> CM11 (without booting to OS) -> CM13 = Endless boot
Stock -> CM11 (Booted once) -> CM13 = Boots and works fine

So...The only way that I can get these to boot, is if I flash CM11 AND boot into it once and THEN flash CM12.1/CM13.
What is it about the first boot of CM11 that makes CM12.1 and CM13 work? any why doesn't direct from Stock -> CM12.1/CM13 work??? Is there a Kernel or something that gets installed when CM11 boots or something?

This is driving me insane. Please help me figure this out so that I can flash directly from Stock -> CM12.1/CM13.

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