Let's backport speedups from 3.4 to 3.3

[Kaveh R. Ghazi]

I've heard some mention that 3.4 is faster in some cases than 3.3.

I know several speedup tweeks have been made since the branch was
created.  Not all of them have been backported.

If they're not too invasive, let's consider them for 3.3.  I'm willing
to help by regtesting patches if people can point out safe candidates.
Though I'd certainly appreciate assistance from others. :-)

		Thanks,
		--Kaveh
--
Kaveh R. Ghazi			ghazi@caip.rutgers.edu