Some Questions on the Graphics Engine

[StormMagi]

Pretty much trying to find out some more in depth info on the graphics engine.

I can run XR at 60+ fps (~60 when boosting around stations) on my system (Ryzen 2700X, 32g ram, 1080TI, 3440x1440 100hz monitor) maxed out everything. But yet maxing out everything for x4 puts me at sub 30 fps around stations. On 2x MSAA, i hold fairly steady around 50 fps in/around stations but out in space I seesaw between mid 70's and ~170 fps and I haven't been able to determine the cause of that change. I expected, given the requirements, to have some of a performance hit, but each stage of MSAA shaves off a good 20+ fps... This is just from some quick testing on main menu and some brief 5 minute or so flights around the starting sectors for each start since I haven't had a good few hours free to sit down and enjoy the game yet. I like what I am seeing through my quick pokes and various youtubers, but these graphics are making me wonder a bit...

Is this due to the engine switch (as I understand it) from the DX9 api to Vulkan? If so, I take it further optimizations will be coming?
Or did Egosoft pull a Crytek with this engine? (Will your comp run Crysis?)