As far as retail goes IB would be/IS my choice . There may be other brokers out there who are cheaper with volume but to my knowlege I don't know of any sub penny stocks. trade the eminis it will be fast(if no risk control), educational and no PDT rules.
i doubt very much that their risk software is good enough to keep capital accounts from dipping below a $1000. a trading halt would suffice to bring capital below $1000 or go into the red. i am sure that you did not intend to use the word diatribe which means a verbal attack or a bitter denunciation.
I'm done arguing this issue. Is a stop light enough to stop a truck from ramming into you as you walk across the street? No. But, I cross the street all the time relying upon the stop light to signal the cars to stop.