@nprofile1q... I did numerical methods classes in undergrad and always had to ask myself is this taking forever because my code sucks or is it really just this much compute as you leave it running overnight.

I've run into the same purposeful sabotage with other software packages too. I can confidently say it has never made me feel happy or like I want to support them. But in your case, if they have a great solver you don't have that many options.

$dayjob won't swing for the license?