Indeed, using *x slocate or indexing to a database is a good way to go. This is useful for a semi static or static set of data.

Unfortunately, the files I am searching are a set of network mounts- multiple users, rapid changes.
Maintaining a database of so many files would .. . require a machine solely devoted to reloading an slocate database- perpetually.
This would simply add to the complexity of the network- it may not worth the negatives right now.

At some point, the cpu expense of using real time disk 'find' methods will call for a separate machine to do as you mention.
Very good comment, tachyon-II