A method for selecting a communication parameter to be used in a communication system based on inputs including an estimate of communication quality between a first node and a second node, the method comprising selecting the parameter based on the estimate of communication quality and also the age of the estimate of communication quality. The first end and the second end of the fiber portion define a longitudinal direction and the at least one grating has an optical characteristic that varies with strain of the fiber portion. Each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer may have different shaped outermost surfaces. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant. If the user is a member of the user assisted advertising relevancy user base, the online service provider sends the requested web page with the ability to rate the advertisements sent on the page.