I am a previous hn9000 customer. I left hughes for the exact reason you have stated. I went with Exede-12 because they have a free download zone and super speeds.
I think the key to satisfaction with Exede is if your on a beam that isn't congested. If the freedom plan is offered on your zip code entry then it means you have an un-congested beam and your speeds will be great and even awesome during the LNFZ. For a true representation go to the Exede forum (»
www.wildblueworld.com/forum/) and try to get a response from a user on the same beam AND plan you are interested in.
You will find the Exede forum to be useful and responsive. I wouldn't go with Exede-5. The only thing I find negative about my service/plan is the usage monitor sort of stinks. I can easily download 6 gigs of data during the LNFZ way before it ever ends...