The setting i use with emule plus mate.
Imo works good as long as theres sources,which is the same for all.
Connection :1000 max connections- in 5 sec > 150-200 20
Connection :Set upload to at least 11kb,(then emule wont cap your download bandwith),so when you do start to connect to ppl you'll download as fast as your connectons allows.Then place a tick to limitless download.
Files> max sources per file to 1000
Means emule will hold up to 1000 sources.
Servers
Delete all the shit ones with not many files/users.Once you have the servers you like,turn off auto update serverlist and autoupdate server list on connection,If after time some of the servers die,you can just update and repeat.
Directories
You could also place your temp&incomming to another partiton/disk.Handy for when your 80% of a large file and you suddenly format/re-install without backing them up.