Web hosting

Yesterday, I attempted to install the wp-cache plugin for WordPress (the blogging software I use). wp-cache is a plugin which should significantly decrease the server load of this blog. One of the steps involved in this was to create a symbolic link to one of the files in the plugins directory. The installer itself couldn't do it as it didn't have permissions. I tried to telnet/SSH into the server to find that blocked also. I even went as far as to write a PHP script using the symlink() command to create the link, but it didn't have permission to run either. In the end, I spoke to tech support for my web hosting company through their support chatroom. After spending some time persuading them that I wasn't asking for help installing third party software, rather I was being blocked from using a simple harmless unix command which would allow me to install it myself. Eventually, they manually created the link for me (though I had to tell him the exact command to enter into the shell) and the install was then successful. This brings me to another point. I'm very happy with the service I have had from Pickaweb since April 2004, but with my custom setup, it seems that my requirements are outgrowing the facilities offered by them. I fully understand their position in blocking SSH as it gives people a lot of rope on which to hang themselves if they don't know what they're doing, but I require some of the power that gives. Therefore I have a few options open to me.

1. Ideally, I would buy a cheap PC, install linux, apache, etc and run the entire site from that myself. The big problem is that I can't afford the upload bandwidth required for this (ADSL in the UK has a very slow up stream).
2. Upgrade my package to a dedicated server where I would get full SSH access - unfortunately, this is another pretty expensive option.
3. Stick with what I have and bug technical support for ages every time I need something a little out of the ordinary done.
4. Move to another hosting company that offers a cheap, high bandwidth hosting package with SSH access. This would preferably be UK (or at least European) based, mainly because if I ever need technical support, I'd prefer people to be awake during the same hours as me.

Can anyone recommend a decent hosting company to me? I've had a couple of US based companies recommended, but I'd prefer something in the UK if possible.