Hum,
all very true...
And i suppose that the less background tasks that you have running will make for a more stable system...
My tip is to mess around with the EXEC , and alter the priorities background tasks...
(You need a program called commander (?) i forget...or task-pie? ANYONE REMEMBER!)
Anyway you can change Task priority with the CHANGETASKPRI command.
an check out `Scout` on aminet to see whats happening under the bonnet...
Its all a question of balance, me thinks.
(Good-looks/speed, usability/stability etc...)