All I can add to this is if you do not feel like the money you are paying is worth what you are getting then you need to look at other options.   If that $40.00 is just for hosting that could be about if you are getting a high-end hosting services.  Otherwise there are many more affordable hosting servers you can use to save money.  I use webhost4life, and they cost $11.95 for their mid-range plan.  They have great support and in the past 6 months have really improved the speed of the servers they are hosting sites on.  DNN is a great platform to build a site with and once you learn it you will not know what you did without it.

I would also recommend you talking to Mitch Sellers, since he offered to help you look at your options.  He is very knowledgable about DNN and can at least get you thinking about what you want and what will fullfill your needs.