Well...I'm no expert, but I have been playing the game and based on my experiences these are some thoughts.. I use a software that automatically adjusts fees based on demand...picking channels is a total guessing game for the most part. most channels only flow in one direction so they don't really balance themselves and It costs money to open any channels in the first place to boot.  Sat's can get stuck in limbo if someone pulls a dick move on you in force closing a channel....one of my channels has been full for a couple of months...It never moves anything out only ever received inbound traffic..I am running 9 channels should be enough reach I would think, for at least a little bit of action. I haven't given up but it sure is a sad story...LOL..