I've updated my Flash Advance Pro writing software for the Nintendo DS to version 1.5: The SPEED version.
While tinkering with the AceKard R.P.G. and adding native FAS1 abilities within the AceKard GUI, I stumbled upon an odd reason for flashing speeds on a Flash Advance cartridge to be capped at the speed they were: GUI updates.
It's odd, I know, but simply removing the constant updates to the progress of flashing has resulted in FAS1 routines now programming a Flash Advance Pro cartridge at 9.5 seconds per meg! That's a lot better than the original 18 seconds, no?
This is also pretty much equal to the EZ Flash 3in1's NOR writing speed (9s/meg), so it's win-win all around!
I also threw in GBAFrame support, because why not?