Maybe it's verifying the blocks instead of downloading them. Which should still be a bit faster. Bootstrap doesn't instantly sync however if you synced in advance it should work.
As for 64 bit it should work on most linux versions. I would need system details to see what the issue is. The reason is because there is so many versions of linux and hard to release static build. Which is why you can also just run it from the python code.
So my 32-bit Halo v2.5 eventually synced up and upon loading key2.private, it shows the correct balance. I will still need to catch up with the dynamic peg and terminology, as in "Actual balance: vs. "Available balance" but I should be in control of my BAY again and able to move it to a "lighter" wallet

Thanks for your help @dzimbeck!