you actually seem to know what your doing, which is refreshing. But can i suggest something? Have your LAT team work on the levels in an offlineeditor or on testbed and get the GMAP done or fairly close. There is NO reason to own a server for that. Have your NAT team get started on Test Bed.
A cool idea is to simply use google docs and giving say your lats access. Have them upload the levels there (like the RC browser) then anyone can download/upload the levels. AND it even says what levels were recently updated so you can get the latest levels. Use it like a browser and your lats can work together.
Then, if all goes well buy a server for 6 months (can you still do that?) or a year and bam thats all you have to pay out.
However, i will warn you - there isn't much reward in getting a server to Classic. When the server hits Classic, you NO longer own it. So if you do something to the PWA's disliking, your gone. Happened to me.
Lastly, buying a server and paying Dev's is a waste of money. You could buy a wii for your kids or take a day trip to six flags or cedar pointe. Please consider these options more. Or hell a night at the bar would be worth it. Nonetheless, good luck
