Memory issues when re-formatting XFM features

Hi wise forum folks,

I'm building a workflow to import a large shapefile as a point-text XFM feature.  Because the schema won't allow us to specify text height and width at the specified drawing scale (this varies depending on which .dgn we're working in), we are forced to re-format the XFM features after import. This works fine with just a few features, but selecting and querying the entire thing (69,352 features) causes memory overload and ultimately requires a system re-boot.  I don't think this should be happening (I believe we've been able to do this same operation with large shapefiles in the past) - are there any system settings I should be looking at to avoid memory issues?  Any advice appreciated.  Thanks.  Also - we're working with Bentley Map V8i SELECTseries 3 Version 08.11.09.92.

Janice

PS. Our sample files are available if that helps - just say the word.