menu_tree_check_access() adds 1141 database queries

Describe your issue or idea

When I upgraded a site from Drupal 6 to Backdrop CMS, I noticed front-end pages getting sluggish, while the back end stayed quick and snappy. When removing the menu block, the front-end of my site was also quick and snappy.

After much further digging (thanks the devel query log!) I have tracked the problem down to the function menu_tree_check_access() which adds an additional 1141 database queries to my page.

It's true - my menu tree is quite large. I still think there's something we could do to speed this up. I don't see why these queries need to be run uniquely for every visitor on every page of my site - when the links are the same on every page.