More reliable know peers will for sure help with the speed. I think you might have problem with the Tor and I2P connections.

My experience with with those connections is still far too low for give meaningful configurations. If disable them is a viable option for you, i suggest you to try. Your peers count should get higher (i assume by default those was active for privacy)

More details required: You want suggestion for container engines, or images to use as honeypot? Also, a honeypot for what