The figures I was quoting was for a BHP sp of around $30. I...

The figures I was quoting was for a BHP sp of around $30. I agree with your minc figures for BHP with a $32 sp.

Yes, my brokerage there is a bit generous for commsec. You can get 0.11% brokerage on large orders from Nab and 0.1% at IG (0.08% if you trade a lot).

Commsec is not that bad with brokerage if your are a preferred trader and trade only in large parcels via the internet. (get about 0.12% on trades above $25K.)

See here: http://www.comsec.com.au/Public_FrameSet.asp?Page=HCosts

I don't really like putting any brokers down including Commsec. I do have an active Commsec account and I have a long term portfolio there. I have no problem with their service and like getting the Aegis report free. But I certainly do not use them for daytrading. It costs nothing to keep the Commsec account going.

Discount brokerage saves heaps on long trades if you are a daytrader and trade large amounts regularly on margin. The difference is not so great with trading small caps. That's because the amounts traded are smaller and the % gains are expected to be bigger.

I find IG is great for trading smallcaps because of the high leverage. The order pads and active chart is good for placing orders too.

You can place contingent orders with minc see here:
http://www.thinkminc.com.au/faq/equities.php

To be fair on TraderDealer (TD) :- TD were the ones who started discount trading. TD is not Opes. Opes clients only traded via TD. So did Berndale's clients and still do. TD no longer offers share lending which it previously did via Opes and ANZ. Its partners now are all reputable and safe.
http://www.traderdealer.com.au/Who-We-Are.aspx?sec=Partners

cheers...