You have asked some very good questions. I have posted a response on another thread here at GFY to similar questions.
I am located here in the USA, and have gained a fairly good understanding of what is at stake. Visa has flexed it's muscle, by requiring operators of high risk websites to "register".
This registration is required of all of iBill's and other US based third party Visa processors. You are most likely correct with your belief that many international located site owners who would be effected, are simply crossing their fingers.
Unfortunately it's not a simple solution to get another processor if you would be suddenly forced to abandon your iBill relationship, especially if you would be loosing a significant REBILL income.
If you don't have much (visa) rebilling through iBill, then you could easily seek another processor.
Realizing this is the first phase of Visa tightening the requirements, I prepared myself, by getting experts to develop my corporate PRESENCE package. Mine is set up in the State of Nevada, which is very corporate friendly. I feel very comfortable with the USA/ State of Nevada corporate Presence structure I now have.
Based upon information I have obtained from many credible sources, those people who complete the current required registration with their foreign national information, may succeed during this (phase) round of Visa's get though policy, however may find themselves in a difficult position in the near future.
Now that those individuals and their foreign based operations have disclosed their current foreign information, may be unknowingly opening themselves up to possible future exclusion due to a non US presence.
I am very passionate in the belief that we as an industry need to become more mainstream with our internet business operations. There are too many among us who simply wait for the check from iBill.
I spent about $3000 and believe it is the best 3000 bucks I ever spent. Within a couple of days, everything was in place. Now having the fully legit corporation, telephone listed in my company name, a real human answering the phone, business licenses, my company name on the directory in the buildings lobby. They even have contract corporate officers, who are US citizens and appear on all my corporate documents. It was so fucking easy, and now there's no more stress.
Sorry about my rant, but anyone has any questions about how to get your presence in place here in the USA, without you having to be here... email me
[email protected] or hit me up on ICQ. I would be happy to share contact information. The firm that handled my case is well known, and they represent many large adult operators. contact me and I will give you their phone numbers.
Wendy