Not working in Netherlands either - agree looks like local is...

Not working in Netherlands either - agree looks like local is working. Once tried to join Commsec but had to go to Oz to open account. Macquarie Prime looks great; except they did not hear about globalization and have some Neanderlithic rule about no non-residents. Amscott looks OK - accepts internationals and brokerage cheaper than $15 with $11 monthly subscription. And Interactive Brokers - still to check it but if like USA IB - very cheap and very international. Other reasons to walk from E*Trade:
1. They do not communicate with us about any problems or resolution - leave us in the dark = fckd customer service; except to send a useless e-Xmas card

2. They break their link with HSBC early 2012: no reasons given,
(& I heard it from HSBC! Maybe HSBC broke it - and we can wonder why); and now E*Trade require an established existing customer to go though all the certified ID and address proof - again?
3. No response from support@....

I could feel sorry for them IF getting hacked or whatever; but what a shite way to keep happy customers! And the fact that they do not even see this - is also a problem: bureaucrats? And if the outage is from overload - guess who is not investing in capacity and 99% continuity. Ciao!