I might try playing around with the firmware later. For now, I've noticed that I'm seeing the following in dmesg:

[ 3.812719] usb 5-2: not running at top speed; connect to a high speed hub

So I've ordered an el-cheapo USB 2.0 adapter card, and will try that out. I'm wondering if it might make my connection more stable, in addition to making it faster.

-Charlie