Start up now taking too long?

[Lensman]

Until a few weeks ago my startup of IL-2 in VR was quite quick but now it takes much longer.

I start the sim by pressing 'Play' and my headset (Rift) displays the white grid default environment for a minute or 2 whilst IL-2 continues to load. Then I see the IL-2 splash screen and loading proceeds as normal until I can see the 'Login' button. Clicking on that button brings up a black popup square with the 'working' graphic for another 15 seconds and then I get another shot at pressing the 'Login' button and from there it's as before. 

Previously IL-2 appeared almost immediately and the login button required one interaction and it took an 1/8 as long from start to hanger.

 

Is anyone else experiencing this?

I presume it's an update to the Oculus or Steam-VR apps that's caused it but whatever it is is VERY irritating!