Same problem here. Started around the same time as OP, and updating my nVidia drivers didn’t help. I’ll add that the issue also happens with the guild frame open. I’ve read that these two frames make use of Flash, so I’m guessing it’s something wrong with the way it’s interacting with GW2?
Here’s my DxDiag output in case a mod sees this. This isn’t a show stopper or anything, since the interface still works, but it’s certainly annoying. On the character select screen, I go from 60 fps (capped at refresh rate due to vsync) down to 10-16 fps with the friends pane open. I’ve got about 10 or so friends in my list, so there’s not a ton of information being displayed.
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