Starting out with a $50 commission means you have to clear 1 point in the ES and 2.5 points in the NQ to just break even. With most direct access commissions you can clear a profit with 1 tick on either Mini. The additional cost to just do business shouldn't be underestimated. A direct access broker can probably execute lots faster too as they are set up to do that with electronic access to the market. Wheras it doesn't sound like your other broker is going to be much help even if he is full service (you'll be paying him to learn about the Minis markets rather than getting help from someone who is experienced.)