We have just adjusted all the performance related variables and loaded into MySQL. Our server folks did that and they assured us all we need to do is as follows:

We now need to optimize the queries that we have in the 7.2.2 UBB scripts and make sure the connection scripts established during execution are gracefully closed when the transaction is done.

Still looking for help with this one. It's a paid gig for whomever can help us speed this baby up.