The ability to run a streamlined version of OpenRoads that only loads the microstation portion of the program for simpler drafting tasks would speed things up considerably. Similar as is done with Autodesk Civil3d, where there is the option provided to "run civil3d as autocad"
Many of the cadd tasks we do only require basic drafting tools of Microstation. Microstation CE loads ORD files much faster than full ORD. ORD just loads much slower, especially so when running over a VPN. Since ORD includes the full Microstation CE platform ( and we basically have to pay for Microstation and ORD when we buy ORD) why not allow users to simply run Microstation when needed? Otherwise, to get access to just the Microstation platform, we are forced to purchase another license for Microstation, effectively paying for it twice.
What kind of tasks are you trying to do where you find it better to use MicroStation over OpenRoads? We're always looking at performance fixes. Let us know if you find something slow.