I just updated to 3.40 OE-A to see if it would fix the freezing. I am using SLPS-01222 for the game/save ID. I converted the save file so I know I'm using the 3.40 pops.
The slowdown is REALLY bad for me. When I go between screens, it takes about twice as long as it did before, and the music starts chopping up and lagging.
Then, when I get into battles, it is slowed down and glitchy the entire time. The battles are thus basically unplayable, with the sound and battle speed lurching along unpredictably, which takes all the fun out of 'em. Even in the 3D overworld, the speed is somewhat lurchy and slow.
So to reiterate, the only time the game runs at full speed now is in a city or fixed area, after the area has transitioned. That's it.
Is this how it is for other people? Even if it doesn't freeze, this is worse than the freezes by far...