So, my initial reaction for others:
* In the game's settings, there is an added section for us to change the screen's zoom within the browser. There is also a second font choice, one that's slightly larger than the default one.
* Currently, everything is still slower than molasses. While I was having to choose a new name and avatar, switching between browser tabs definitely helped. Also, you may have to log out and back in to do things, including when progressing to a new level. Once you get into the game, it definitely helps in the game's settings to turn off all the animations; the game therefore becomes slow as oil instead of something solid.
* The devs intentionally decided to have us start completely from scratch without the usual level-up package that we can purchase or receive as in-game mail.