The guide is a welcome addition, but as I said above the slight delay in opening it makes it a slightly jarring experience.
I get this as well i haven't tried the update from 2am this morning yet though.
I was thinking it was because i have about 100 people on my friends list and their status takes a second or two to update. I might try a new account tonight and see if its quicker.
Other than that i quite like the new dash.