Hello, @MichaelB
Thank you for your request. We are constantly working on the speed of the theme. We also ask you to create a request on the board https://www.8theme.com/taskboard/ and vote for it. We are working now on the speed of the frontend. When we finish the work we will start the admin part (customizer). Many things need to be considered, such as tests and the inheritability of updates. We can promise you one thing :)- the most customizable theme with superb performance very soon. All should be step by step to avoid problems and make all gentle.
Regards