[Lazamataz]

I have no computer expertise whatsoever - so this suggestion is probably way off base. But, I’m wondering if you could eliminate some of the posting history, private mail and other ‘home page’ niceties. All that stuff must take up a huge block of memory. Who goes back more than just a few days on their own history, much less anyone else?

That won't be it. That stuff is in a db. This is chewing processer time and availability. Different parts of the same animal.

[Ol' Sox]

chewing processer time and availability

Interesting. I've noticed certain patterns of behavior when the system is acting wonky. The following are problematic functions:

Logging into the system
Responding within an open thread
Searching personal history, previous posts

Each of these would seem to require some form of authentication - if I were looking at these problems within one of my own systems, I would look at LDAP. Not sure what authentication routines or procedures are being used within FR but I'd be looking there.