That's one of the problems with buying privileges behind a layer, as with Second Life and the internet means by which you access Second Life.
Happens with everything else too, of course.
I don't know anything about these lag problems and any of the changes of which you all speak, but also remember that these Linden Lab guys are hosting a sub-world with no subscription fees. All their profit comes from within that world, SFAIK.
Also, your post did have the airs of a rant along with the technical details, Arabelle. That's not always a derogatory statement. I do it a lot myself.
Hope this helps.