>>as further thing to consider, have 3.5.10 and R14 been compiled in
>>the same configuration (either release-release or debug-debug)? On
>>some intensive programs I noticed a speed difference ratio or 3-to-
>>1 between the two.
>
> 3-to-1 ratio --- which one was faster?
>
> Speaking of debugging, does including the debugging symbols affect
> run-time operation?
No.  The symbols are only loaded by specialized tools such as gdb for
generating proper backtraces and aiding in interactive debugging.  TDE can
load the symbols as well during backtrace generation if enabled at compile
time.

Tim