Yes, I have recently discovered this issue. With 20 connected units in an empty level, I was able to get about 60 fps. With 25 units, the frame rate dropped to 2-3 fps. Above 25 units, 3dgs tends to crash quickly at least on my computer.

Even when running with 20 units, 3dgs cannot keep the units connected when the units are moving (approximately 4 units under ent_move). At the present, I am considering the feasibility of simulating the rope with a large model with multiple bones. Has anyone tried this approach?

-gcoakley