The problem with these other apps which were causing problems is that they were not following the iOS 8 requirements that the developers were supposed to follow, and they were causing “system problems” as a result. Now, those apps you mention are tied in closely with the system since they are Apple’s apps (more so than developers are allowed to do). So when you have system-wide problems caused from those other apps (from developers not updating to iOS 8 requirements), you’re going to see it spilling over into those Apple apps. Others who had discovered exactly what apps were causing the problems, then reported that all their problems went away when they got rid of the offending app.
As far as running the way it did when you got it, you would need to stay with the same apps and the same version of the iOS. If you don’t you’re getting apps that the developers have made “more demanding” (on system resources) because the new iPads have the “power” to handle it, and so the developer “packs more into the app” because the “power” is there.
It’s the same kind of problem that people with desktop computers encounter, too ... and what I have encountered. I notice on my desktop computer that the newer operating system puts more demand on my CPU, and the reason why is that the new operating system is designed for the newer desktop models, which may have a TWO-TIMES speed increase. SO ... My desktop model slows down.
Now, one can tolerate these slowdowns, only up to a certain point - and they happen with each new operating system released. When the slowdown becomes too “painful” then the owner just goes out and gets the new desktop model. That’s the way it always has been since the first consumer desktop model computer came out.
BUT ... even though the iPad 2 is not as powerful as the new ones and does not have the RAM of the new ones, it is still able to run iOS 8, as we’ve seen from the reports from other iPad 2 owners ... but slower. It’s tolerable, and if I were to put a “number” on it for the iPad 2 model, I would say that you’re at about 75% of where it would be, if you just kept the original operating system and original apps.
This iOS 8 will probably be the LAST system upgrade allowed by Apple for the iPad 2. Apple will lock out any future system upgrades, because the iPad 2 will not be able to handle it, just like Apple has already done with the first iPad model. It’s already “locked out” for any system updates.
I guess "tolerable" is a subjective opinion in the eye of the beholder. And there certainly wasn't any benefit to IOS 8 to justify losing 25% of my unit's productivity. I'm sure that's OK for some and they can stick with Apple. It's not OK for me and I'll go elsewhere. To each his own.