This is why big database applications need DBAs.

Granted. However, in small companies, one person gets to do many things: I've assumed the System Architect job, I'm the only Software Developer and Software Support person, and I also pretend to be the DBA.

Right now I'm doing a daily VACUUM on the application database, and a weekly VACUUM on the whole database. Due to the success of ANALYZE, I will likely be doing that daily as well.

Upgrading the database version is on my list -- the development system I have uses the fairly recent 8.0.3, but the Production system is .. ahem .. older than that.