Just to close the loop here. I'm the owner of BTC Nitro - we've been in operation for 4 years and still going strong. Countless trips to China (back in the day) and the US have meant that we're still able to offer the service. Yes it's paid, no you don't have to use it.
So what are those mining pool you are partnered that you are claiming so people can confirmed those. I don't think those detail should be confidential by any means so you can tell us.