Optimize Chrome Email Extension

I already have a Chrome extension that automates an email workflow, but two pain points are holding it back: periodic crashes and sluggish load times when the extension spins up inside Gmail. My priority is to tighten the existing codebase so it runs faster and remains stable, then layer in a new advanced email-tracking component.

Current situation
• The extension injects UI elements into Gmail, monitors compose/send events, then triggers our email-automation logic.
• Under heavier usage the background script occasionally throws errors that bring the whole process down.
• Network calls and DOM manipulation feel bloated; opening the extension panel takes noticeably longer than it should.

What I need you to do
1. Audit and refactor the JavaScript/Manifest V3 code to remove bottlenecks and memory leaks, ensuring smoother performance.
2. Hunt down and patch the crash sources so the extension remains stable even during large batch sends.
3. Implement an advanced tracking module—pixel-based or Gmail API driven—that records opens, clicks, and bounce events, and surfaces that data inside the existing UI.

Acceptance criteria
• No crashes after 500+ consecutive emails in a stress test.
• UI panel loads in under 300 ms on standard hardware.
• Tracking data logs correctly to our local storage endpoint and displays in the dashboard without affecting send speed.

The project will involve Chrome Extension APIs, Gmail DOM manipulation, vanilla JavaScript (or a lightweight framework if you can justify it), and familiarity with performance-profiling tools such as Chrome DevTools and Lighthouse. I’ll share the current repository and a sample Gmail account for testing once we kick off.