Optimization of YouJoomla Templates

Hi,

I am about to do a round of speed optimization of several sites I have using YouJoomla templates. I have several questions that may save me time and make it a better experience:

1. Are these templates better optimized with JBetolo or JCH Optimize?
2. For either plugin, would you recommend excluding any module or ordering them a certain way?
3. I did briefly try JBetolo on YouBistro, but the center slideshow didn't work. Certainly a JQuery conflict. Any suggestions on how to best load the jQuery? By plugin or let the template handle it?
4. Any further suggestions?

I generally don't mind the "out-of-the-box" speed of these templates, but they score as D's on both YSlow and Google Page Speed. For SEO, I need to increase that for sure.

I am primarily using YouBistro, YouTravel, and YouResponse but will be using others too. I just figure they have a lot of the same in common due to framework, etc.

I hope that any information shared on this board can help others with this tedious task.

Thanks in advance!

Kory

Are you sure your are posting in product assigned forum?: Yes

What is your CMS version?: Joomla 2.5

MySQL Version: 5.x

PHP version: 5.x

Link to installation: www.bobrooks.com

Have you edited any files? If yes tell us which ones.: No

Is this personal or client website?: Client