Well I can tell you're using Word to at least post
$system=”.” ASCII does not produce curly quotes.

Anyways... Yes WMI is slower in general then a direct read of data.

When you say it beats up your Network what do you mean exactly. I mean yes you have 26 distinct packet calls plus normal traffic with direct reads, but the're all small packets. The WMI call is a smaller call overall but the timing is slower so I guess you have to decide for yourself which method is more acceptable to you.

You could try a different method of the WMI connect and provide credentials which might increase the speed a little.

Look up SWbemLocator connection method instead of using a moniker connecton.  
SWbemLocator.ConnectServer.ConnectServer

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/defaul...nnectserver.asp