You can tune NTFS with different parameters in the registry and an TechNet articles states that you increase file performance by setting NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation to 1 in the registry.
In real life, how much is gained, and is it worth it compared to having legacy compatibility?
Is it "safe" to delete any of the subfolders in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\ from my drive to free up space?
Or is it needed for upgrade/uninstall and other patches? Right now the Update Cache folder contains KB968369 (sp1) which takes up 416mb, which seems like a candidate for freeing up space.