Well, actually, I do think that being your own ISP is very important, maybe even crucial. Alas, it's currently difficult, as more and more network providers don't want to peer with the small players.
I know nothing about overlay networks. I need to dig further before I update my beliefs.
Realize that even in our bright and shiny IPv6 future, no top-tier provider is going to let you peer with them to publish your addresses. So long as routing is controlled by the majors, addresses are just totems.
I know nothing about overlay networks. I need to dig further before I update my beliefs.