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I usually average the time from the last 5 loops, and disregard any times over a certain amount.
This actually causes slowdown and pauses when your system is chugging, but I EXPECT to see slowdown and pauses when my system is chugging, so I like it that way.

I flit in and out and update my files occasionally, but I don't code. :p

It sounds to me like what you've got is a story.
A story has as much to do with a game as autumn trees have to do with a roadway:
They're both nice to have and can give an impetus to keep going if you're getting bored, but neither has any affect on your destination or the rules you obey to get there.