i used to use hotline and enjoyed it..
..now i use frogblast, because it does what i want/need.

this hotline client is dead simple - easy to use and does the job..
..i have little snitch installed and can't say that i've noticed any unauthorised dialling out, etc - which is what i'd expect for spyware type functionality.

i personally will probably stick with frogblast, because that's what i've been using quite happily for the last year or so..
..but this panther compatible version of the hotline client would probably be my next choice - and probably will be if frogblast dies on me.

Best way to decide is d/l it, give it a try and trash it if you don't like it - can't say fairer than that :)