I need some clarification and advice on obtaining a Russian Tourist Visa as a US Citizen, in the US.

I know there is a lot of information on this, but because there are so many sources of varying quality, from various dates, it's a bit confusing as to what I should be doing and what is needed. For one, I do not live near any of the main consulates in the US, and apparently everyone "has to" (according to the San Francisco consulate) apply via [ILS](http://ils-usa.com). 

ILS sounds great, but I'd have to use their mail service, which seems to be:

* Fill out the application form yourself at https://visa.kdmid.ru
* Mail us your passport and application etc
* We'll mail you your visa and passport

Yet, this seems contrary to their mission of claiming to make it easy for you. How is this different from dealing with a consulate directly? Doesn't this also cost more?

Should I be (must I?) use ILS to apply? 
Has anyone used their mail service before?
Is there really no other way than to mail?
There's no fully-online method? They even make you pay with a money-order/cashier's check.

Also, there are a number of sites that offer Visa Support Letters for some fee. Does anyone have a recommendation for any of these? Many of them seem a bit sketchy. The invitation host is responsible, in part, for you, after all. 

If I get a support letter from one of these services, does it matter where I stay? (I plan to stay in a hostel)