1. Do large pictures slow your downloading time?

No, I have DSL.

2. How many tickers should be allowed?

No more then two. No offense to those who like them, but personally I don't like them at all.

3. How many lines of text should be allowed?

4 to 6...depending on how many pics, tickers,etc.

4. Should we have a rule limiting bytes/pixels or just a general guideline?

General guideline, but maybe with an size example stickied at the top of the forum.