[kbs666]

I never see a "please wait... loading message" even when there is a noticeable delay in loading a new topic.

First you need to verify where your RW db actually is. On what drive is your Windows user account? The SSD or the HDD. You can find the RW db by typing this string into windows explorer "%appdata%\LWD Technology, Inc\Realm Works"

If your user account is on your HDD and your HDD is particularly slow or fragmented that could be the source of your troubles.