I have robust Internet speeds at home (Comcast Gigabit) and work (standard corporate network). The application starts up quickly, it just takes a long time for the circle to stop spinning so I can look at notes. I don't have the application always running and prefer not to have to remember to do that each day.
As for not allowing auto-format, even MS Word allows you to turn that feature off.
These are simple usability issues that should not penalize the user. As a long-time satisfied user of EverNote, I will have to explore other options.
Bill