My problem stems from the fact that the nodes on my path to the SE servers are overloaded as they're not used to all this traffic. So those routers are dropping packets and causing lag spikes. I've had my traffic rerouted a couple of times but so far it hasn't worked as I still end up on a path going through an overloaded router. There isn't much SE can do about this other than complain to the providers or put the servers somewhere that actually has a robust infrastructure like most companies.