Xerxes and why does it takes so long to load?

When I try to join a server it takes a very long time or it doesn't even work. While the game is synchronizing game settings the console says: "downloading avatar for client x". what does that mean?

Xerxes I have the latest version of the launcher but i cant join any server. what could be the problem?

Xerxes i have the latest version of the launcher. When i try to join a server the console says: "hitch warning xxx msec frame time" what does that mean?

When I join a server the message "synchronizing game settings" appears and takes up to 5 mins before I can join the server. Does anyone else have this problem? please help?