I'm very sure I'm not alone in this.  When I'm considering a provider I look at the more recent reviews (say for the past 6-8 months), looking for consistency of service.  But I especially look at the names of the reviewers becuase over time I have come to "trust" some people's reviews over others.  I also look for reviewers who have seen some of the same providers I have, and if their reviews coincide with mine, I attach more weight to them.  Crew's suggestion is very interesting, and certainly a good idea, but I question whether or not it would be helpful for the way I do my searching.  Again, I don't really know how other guys use TER data, and it may be helpful to many of them, certainly the newer members.