[Qgis-user] Slow start-up - Plugin Load Times is off by 3X

[qgis-user at stripfamily.net]

Windows 7 Pro, 64 bit
qgis 3.4.2

When starting qgis the splash screen shows Restoring loaded plug-ins"
for about 20 seconds. Plugin Load Times shows 6 seconds total load time.
It's pretty consistently off by 3X regardless of how many plug-ins are
active.

The log window shows a number of Python warnings (most are deprecation
warnings, but also :" InsecureRequestWarning: Unverified HTTPS request
is being made")

Short of not using plug-ins, what should I be trying?