I am experiencing a problem with either too few connections (in Leaf mode) or to many (in Ultrapeer mode).

But first let me say that I have read the FAQ at limewire.com. Regarding connections it says, "For more information, check Options under User Guide." Well I can't find an "Options" section in the User Guide. And all the User Guide says about Connections is:
That's helpful ...

The Status column always says "Outgoing" and the Protocol column always says "Ultrapeer" whether the servent is in Leaf mode or in Ultrapeer mode.

What is the "Dropped I/O" column and why is it only the LimeWire servents that seem to have such high percentages? Is it because they are all suffering from the same problem as mine? That problem being one of feast or famine.

I am running LimeWire 2.9.11 on Mandrake 9.1 with a cable modem connection. When I first connect, I connect as a Leaf node. LimeWire maintains a minimum of three connections -- very seldom more. And so I starve for fruitful search results and downloads.

After a while the servent automatically switches to Ultrapeer mode, and then I am flooded with connections. So many that my poor, little 200MHz processor just can't handle it, and everything slows to a crawl. I have to use short-cut keys to activate the File menu and Disconnect. I should add that these connections are more aptly described as connection attempts; very few of them "stick" and thus new connections are constantly being attempted.

It seems that most of my uploads have occurred during Ultrapeer mode, and I would rather not disable Ultrapeer capabilities as there may be some who could use at least some of my bandwidth. And while in Leaf mode, I would like to maintain more connections.

Isn't there some sort of compromise between to few and too many connections -- other than Ultrapeer or no Ultrapeer?

How can I change the minimum number of connections for Leaf mode and the maximum number of connections for Ultrapeer mode? Is this buried in the code somewhere?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Terry