Was troubleshooting crashes from accessing folders in Media Content panel (separate bug report I will not address here).
I attempted to test any changes in behavior by setting the iClone.exe's Win 7 application 'Compatibility' properties by:
1) turned on/ticked "Run this program as an administrator", and
2) turned off/unticked setting that had "Run this program in compatibility mode for > Windows 7".

When I did this, the following changed:
1) iClone 7 booted slower (took 3x as long)
2) slider movement for a light memory scene, say 1 sphere prop, were choppy in the Modify > Material List/texture Settings. So, sliders such as Strength, Opacity, Self Illumination felt very sluggish and choppy, no gradient of movement....as if my PC was running slow / at a lower frame rate.
3) accessing any content folders was 2x slower
4) crashes no longer elicited dialogue saying the program was no longer functioning, but strictly froze the program and had to be closed out through task a manager

The following steps resulted in no change:
1) Switching the iClone.exe's Win 7 application 'Compatibility' properties back to non-administrator, and turning on / ticking "Run this program in compatibility mode for > Windows 7".
2) uninstalling and reinstalling iClone 7

I was able to fix by doing a Win 7 System Restore to an earlier time before the tinkering. And, voila...everything again runs at full speed..Phew!

But, figured I'd report this near disaster.

#Tempermental iClone 7

THX!!