[jbirkett]

Just my 2c worth. After all it is not often that I can give a somwhat educated answer. You made mention of XO and any experience. My company just recently moved location and we host our own web server and DNS. Most of the problems were with the way we were registered for DNS ( another story for another time). Anyway we had a T1 installed by XO and then delayed our move because of building construction in the Suite. XO did a great job of monitoring our T1. I received several calls from them telling me we had a problem when the contractors kept un-plugging the router. Most of the problems we have encountered with XO turn out to be problems with the LEC, that will remain nameless but were a CA company beginning with P and now owned by a Texas company beginning with an S.

Anyway, I use a DSL line that on average gets 800 speed and don't have any problem what so ever with your Web page or BBS. I am a beleiver that if you have the knowledge and time, host your own. You then have the control over what happens and can usually fix any problems quicker.