Many, many thanks, Sebastian. I have pinpoited the problem, and it actually does appear to be the module I questioned. Why it did, I don't know, but I have confirmed that the search related tables conain enough records to substantiate the report I got, and I see data in there that matches the data that module uses, and that disabling the search indexer, something that this site really doesn't need, resolves the issue once and for all.

As far as providers go, looking at other providers, my top choice right now that would provide reliable service once the site is running with decent traffic is outside of my price range today, but if the site takes off, my current provider will be dropped immediately, and the other one will be getting a call.

Thanks again!