Ain't that the bottom line... I have been in the industry for over 20 years, and have been on both sides too. MSO's are a cut throat bunch. I've seen them throw away a contractor in a heart beat for one that will do it for 2 cents less. Contracting has always been trench warfare... but I keep plenty of ammo. As far as security goes.. inhouse is a better bet. Then again... some of these smaller mso's will promise you the world and when you pull up to their rent-a-hole office it starts to sink in that they fed you a line of crap to get you to Hoosatoo, Idaho now you are stuck there until you have a way out. Pick your company wisely.