Not much that can be done anymore to optimize server speed, actually we should be on the optimal level now considering current design constraints that will come to an end once we the CMS takes over and we replace tables with CSS. Tonight I have done a latest round-up of optimizations, this time concerning advertisements code, loads better here, although even with my slow connection the site loads pretty quickly. Perhaps a case of packet loss between your ISP and TS' server? Like I said, we are pretty much in the optimum level of optimizations, we should be able to handle another /.ing one of these days IMHO.
No, but a good guess. I've been to dslreports.com, done some tests, even some more tweaks at speedguide.net, it ain't me.