Hi Frankstertom,

The following explanation is posted on the 'Features' page of the website.

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Important Changes to the LimeWire Software

"Number of Connections" Option has been removed; New Algorithm Implemented.

Opening up extra connections used to allow user searches to abuse the network by taking up too much collective bandwidth on other user's machines. To build a truly successful P2P network, it requires low bandwidth and low impact on the network. We have built our new LimeWire software with these concerns in mind and have included many bandwidth saving features. We now use an algorithm on ultrapeers that gives every user the same experience. Whether you are an ultrapeer or a leaf, you issue a search and your ultrapeer selectively queries the network until you receive 150 results. If you make a general search, you get a few general answers. If you want more general results, you can browse host on these users. If you make a very specific search, our algorithm will try hard to get you 150 specific results. This selective querying process allows us to extend the reach for rare and specific queries. You should receive good results for any search. Given that we are trying to control the aggressiveness of queries and responses, having more connections would work against this goal.

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Thanks.