Loaded up the 2gb stick and it resumed playback in about 4 seconds. The track picked up from where it had left off, and mind you that it hadn't been loaded in nearly a month and a half. The entire usb stick was searchable within 10 seconds.

Jammit, I'm really not sure why you are having delays with your usb stick.

I found a USB extension cable, and playback was just as quick. With the cable, it means that this thread can be closed, now that I'm no longer limited to the dimensions of the OEM usb slot.

Cheers,