This is probably as good a place to ask as anywhere.
A lot of people notice delays like this during loading. The references you found probably refer to people who get a network timeout or client crash if the delay runs too long. I've had that happen in the past.
I have not seen any unusual delays in the 'Loading Resources' part of the process, but I am seeing new bits of lag recently in other areas, especially when I am playing on Isle of Refuge.
As for making the problem go away, I'm not sure what to suggest other than deleting the local cache files. Someone else may have other ideas. There's also the option of doing a clean re-install of the game. I do that every few months as a precaution against bit rot.
As a side note, I don't think any of this is a UI issue. I personally think it's network related.
-= Therendil =-
Chief Cat Herder
ProfitUI Community Edition
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