Well, I've run out of ideas. I really enjoy Sins, and I want to dive into the multiplayer aspect of the game. But I've encountered a problem that's disrupting that. Before I explain, let me note that I've read the numerous threads on hosting issues, opening ports, router issues, P2P protocol, etc etc. My problem seems to be of a different breed.

I can use ICO. I log in. My displayed ping is about 30ms. I try to host/join a game (doesn't matter which), and here's where the problem starts -- extreme lag spikes. We're talking massive packet loss. I've been doing most of this testing joining games as hosting a game makes it unplayable for all participants. I notice the connection issues during the setup screen. It lags when I change my faction. It lags when I change my team, (upwards of 20 seconds) etc etc. The chat is just fine (which I assume is still ICO). All the while my displayed ping is never above 100ms.

The game starts, and instantly my ping goes from an average of below 100ms to upwards of 5,000ms. Then these numbers jump back and forth. It stutters every 20 seconds. The only thing I can think of is I'm getting massive packet loss (or lack of sending a steady stream). So I started tweaking.

I enabled the ports/app through the Windows FW. I tried disabling it all together. I tried changing the MTU size. I called my ISP, and my connection's fine. No P2P restricting, no bandwidth throttling, my speeds are on target (6mb down, 400kb/s up), and they don't restrict the ports required by Sins, or ICO - 6000, 6112. I feel it's the upstream on my end.

I've run out of ideas. I really want to experience the multiplayer, but for the last 3 days I've tried everything I can think of short of getting a new ISP. I've reformatted -- still the same problem. I'm starting to come to the sad conclusion that I just can't play Sins online with my current ISP.

If anyone had any possible idea for a solution that works short of getting a new ISP, I would be forever in your debt.