Try the tips here:
Reduce the drag caused by LW
To disable ultrapeer capabilities in new versions, tools > options > advanced > performance. While you're there, also disable Mojito DHT capabilities & TLS capabilities. The link in that thread is for the latest Java update (1.6.0_04) even though the thread says 1.6.0
If you guys want to roll back to an older version of LW, here's a link to 4.14.8.
zSHARE - lw basic 4.14.8.exe
If you'd rather have 4.14.10 or 4.14.12, let me know & I'll host those versions.