Yeah, Steve is no longer with Astraweb. We don't have any direct contact with them anymore. And service has been spotty according to user reports.
We've been pointing people to Usenetserver, they are offering Newsbin users unlimited accounts for $10/mo and they've been very reliable lately.
If you use this link we get a few bucks back if you sign up with them:
https://usenetserver.com/newsbin/?a_aid ... han=LNKUNS