Let's get serious.... Analyze your risks. (Score 1)

Look at your risks... What happens if this thing fails? How much down time is acceptable? What if you run into a problem that your in-house talent can't handle? (no offense intended towards your in-house talent). Bottom line: If this thing is mission-critical, then you want support on the hardware, application, AND the O/S. Less critical means more risk is acceptable. Is it a test / play system?... Pick your favorite free O/S. If its a production system, get support.