I go even further back than 1.14 and you're right, it's not new but it does seem to be getting worse - i keep my graphics settings pretty constant, but the performance is anything but. Problems we thought were long gone have returned, but it feels like all LL are interested in is stability metrics. That's great for Lindens who don't spend any extended time inworld or who want stat's to spin, not so good for the rest of us.

The current RC is truly appalling for me - half the UI graphics don't load and it gets worse the longer you spend online, you end up with a UI full of grey blanks. There's something seriously wrong if the UI elements, which are stored locally, don't load...

As for the dated graphics, it's true but it may be the price we pay for user-generated content. Imagine the outcry if they try to make any fundamental changes that render any existing content obsolete...