The twist that I was hoping would keep it manageable was to only have the group concern itself with moving a users packets on the wireless side. If someone wanted to route to the internet they would have to use their own ISP connection by configuring their node to route for them. If they are smart they'll have some secure mechanism such as a vpn, ssh to their home machine etc to limit access to themselves and the folks they specifically allow to gateway via them.
This also cuts out the question of someone calling to say "the internet is down". It also removes the biggest cost (as you said in another post) that of paying for a T-1 or more worth of backhaul.
Doesn't anyone want to just read email or their reach their own systems from around town?
My gripe about paying someone for a for-pay wifi connection is that the wifi folks have to price it as if it was someone's only internet connection. Someone that is already paying $20-$70 or more for their internet service isn't really going to want to add another $20-$70/mo just so they can get and send mail from around town.
I should really pull apart my laptop screen and see what they are doing for an antenna. I assume they have a miniature dipole in there. I may be possible to shove a larger patch behind the LCD. The case looks like it has quite a bit of space.
Or if the plastic case would detune the antenna too much maybe mounting it on the front of the case would be better.
I saw the funny power numbers and figured it must be something like that.
I should be getting my card any minute now. It should be possible to stick a 2dbi antenna on it and see if it is more sensitive than the built-in wireless.
-wolfgang