[jjoe]

Answers will vary. But there exist one true test of the provider's ability to stick with you through thick and thin: it's the Turing test!

See, providers have regressed (economy of scale and all) to the degree where their responses to inquiries/emails/requests are indiscernible from early wannabe AI chatbot implementations.

Take the time to email/call your potential provider and ask questions regarding the service. Do the responses pass the smell test? Is sales completely clueless and unable to answer questions about simple technical matters (red flag)? Can support carry out requests that aren't scripted?

Trust your instinct and common sense.