Thanks both for the advice.

I've decided that for my part there won't be a 'long haul' because life is just too short to upload all the pics again! If anyone else wants to do it, I will supply the pics and any other assistance I can. It will have to be on a non-profit basis though, since most of the pics were donated on this understanding.

My hope is that in time Photobucket's business model will have to involve a big drop in the charges because competition will drive that outcome. This may not happen for years, of course. There are probably millions of 'captives' in the same boat and screwing your customers for a ransom each year is not a sustainable model!

I have put a description of the current predicament here.