In contrast, Linode ...  but their support is there and very responsive.

People keep saying this but it simple isn't true. It is only responsive when everything is working fine and you have some OS/app level issue.

But watch what happens when their Fremont DC goes down. You will submit a ticket and not hear back for hours (if at all) all whilst your site is down. You're then forced to jump on IRC and listen to gossip about what is happening.

Linode's support is as good as their security. Smoke and mirrors.