Trap_Jaw,
Thanks for your response. If I was still using 2.9.8, I would definitely put to work your suggestions. I might, in fact, re-install and see what happens. I did like some of the other improvements, I must admit. Over all, though, it still seems like a significant downgrade when I compare 2.9.8's download frequency and general ease-of-use with what I am currently back to using (2.8.5).
I do appreciate your suggestions, though, and I hope I didn't come off as a chump in previous responses.

Best,
Lareux