A) Payout Change
1) Proportional
2) SMPPS
3) PPLNS
4) Straight PPS [will require a much larger fee due to risk]
B) Fee Change
1) 0% Fee - I'll deal with the pool randomly failing/idling
2) 1.5% Fee - Still cheapest of the "Big 3", with all current perks [120 block wait for confirmations (no invalid protection)]
3) 2% Fee - Tied for lowest of the "Big 3", with all current perks [with no waiting on block confirmations (includes invalids)]
Right now, it looks like SMPPS or PPLNS and a 2% fee without 120 block confirmation waiting. The SMPPS will start with a couple hundred BTC as a buffer. Either way, merged mining will be a part of the new BTC Guild when its done.
I'll say:
A.2 -> SMPPS (i'm mining on ARS now ... and its the best payout method i've seen till now)
B... -> I'll say NO 0% fee. Minim 0.5%(no api, no stats ... only mining) and give something for 1%, 1.5% and 2%.
PS
Don't forget to open 80 and/or 8080 ports for mining
