The server is not lagging in any way at the moment. Unfortunately, just because you're on fibre cable/net doesn't mean that your lag isn't caused by your ISP or your route towards the server. :(
Using the windows key and clicking back into the RO window should work. if the problem persists go here : http://ratemyserver.net/index.php?page=download_tool. Download the tool called Mouse freedom and place it into your RO folder. It should solve your problem.
1: Yes the current flags have been changed.
2: All castles that are no longer active have no owner anymore.
3: Castle drops will have the same color distrubutions.
Solved. :)
These are part of seasonal events. We might be handing them out with events again this christmas, who knows ! :O. I can't guarentee that we will though.