Lion or Mountain Lion for mid-2009 MBP with PT9

Hello guys,

I'm running ProTools 9 on my mid-2009 13" MBP.
I'm also using this laptop for getting some java coding done, but I occasionally take it to a concert and track 26 ch recording sessions from a StudioLive mixer a friend of mine has. Until I bought my PT license, I'd do this with Logic and there were no issues whatsoever...

I tried to do this, with PT 9.0.6, while running a fresh 10.8.2 but I was getting a lot of apple beach balls. :mad:
There were no issues when tracking 2 channels, what I usually do, when popping in my Duet back home. :confused:

:confused: What would you opt for considering my laptop config (listed in my signature):
a. 9.0.6 on 10.8.2 (or 10.8.3)
b. 9.0.6 on 10.7.5

I don't plan to upgrade to PT10, because this one's just perfect and enough for me. Plus I don't want to spend the extra cash.

Thanks!