Is there a reason that you advised him to avoid Hostgator or Godaddy?
If you are going to tell someone to not go with a host or company that has been serving for more than 5 years, at least say why you think so...
I've been with hostgator for two years now and had NO problems at all and I am hosting 20+ domains on a baby plan all running wordpress.
No speed problems, no down times. And yet you are saying "I advise you to AVOID." No valid reason means that you're just a hater with nothing good to say. Give a valid reason next time you insult a company(s) that are serving thousands of happy customers.