Yep, this whole area of "improving moodle's performance" seems to need more attention. Certainly, I understand all of the variables that are part of a computer's and enviroment's configuration, and that we are faced with many choices, but maybe some common utility will eventually be provided to help.
Many of the performance changes that I attempt seem to fit into your "I'm feeling lucky" category.
As I searched a little, that "perspective.php" utility seems to be heading in the right direction. Someone even suggested that this utility become part of Moodle's core.
Thanks again.