No this didn't solve the issue. Howhever, after more investigation, it appears that we cannot insert more than 2 custom properties on an ad-hoc view (graph), this is not isolated on this server as originally thought, but on 3 servers on the same machine.
If we define 1 or 2 custom properties, this works fine, if we define a 3rd one, then it spins and never gets applied.
It is very problematic because we cannot get the desired outcome without defined at least 4 custom properties. We are blocked in terms of development and have an upcoming milestone deliverable that we cannot get to. Your support is more than welcomed.