What could possibly be bringing my Z-wave network to its knees

Not the exact scenario you’re describing- but similar -

AND after things were back to normal I just added another device (plug this time) and had a more of the same (devices slow to respond or not at all, both individually and groups)

If I’m speaking specifically about my experience I could say every time I add a new device I upset the apple cart w the existing zwave devices/mesh

No magic bullet to correct- just fiddling with each device to make sure it’s receiving and sending communication (config, save pref, save device… confirm- rinse and repeat …. Sometimes power cycle the device.)

Many reboots/power cycles/zwave repair of the hub don’t seem to make a difference…. For me anyhow