Issues, Workarounds & Localization

Hey guys,

I'm not exactly sure when I first started having issues but my log-in and load times are taking longer and in game I have started suffering the odd hick up or a little jumpiness.
This as an issue on its own wouldn't be so bad and i could easily live with it however:

1) I seem to be losing ships at half hull at my end (a loss is a loss but the lack of syncronisation is a bit disturbing)
2)When problem one occurs the game freezes for a few seconds (when i should be warping out in my pod)

The ships would have been lost anyway but I feel a little cheated at the loss of my pods / clones and although I expect no compensation whatsoever and that isn't what I'm asking for; I would love some help to get this resolved and prevent it happening again.

The last time this happened my ship was still at relatively high hull (not enough to die in a volley i dont think), then i received my letter of insurance payment and appeared in station shortly after - i didnt even see my pod!

I purchased and run the game through steam so an uninstall/install is always an option but im hoping someone just points me in the direction of a cache folder that needs clearing or something along those lines.

TY in advance for any help!