Well, it took 11 days, but additional issues arose with 4.9.7.6. I decided to try 5.0.2.0.
Results?
Wait time to license scan: 40 seconds, up from 20 seconds
Wait time to sample load start: 3 mm 5 sec, up from 1 minute
Wait time to sample load end: 3 mm 55 sec, up from 2 minutes
Total memory used on 10 instances: 687 MB
Short of wiping my entire hard drive and starting from scratch, I'm not sure what to do at this point having tried all suggested fixes.
The only thing I can imagine doing at this point is to reinstall 4.9.7.6.
@Another User said:
.... it really makes sense to at least find the version that is best for you....
I'm no longer certain what version that might be...
The only way I can pay for the Vi Cube is to put it to work, but Syncrosoft is in my way. Sorry guys.