>"I guess the first question should be whether such a relay would be
welcome on the Tor network in the first place? I am aware that
connecting to Tor through a VPN isn't generally recommended, but
what about running a relay through one? Better idea, or a
ridiculously bad one?"
It isn't a better idea, certainly; but it isn't so bad as to throw it out entirely. Since all non-exit communications are encrypted, there wouldn't be any huge "no-nos" as far as that is concerned.
However, with an exit node, (some) communications aren't encrypted. It really boils down to whether or not you trust your provider. However, the same can be said with a VPS provider! I would not be concerned about it; please add your relay to the network.
>"Second, while it would run on a (nearly) dedicated 100mbit
connection, i do not have dedicated equipment. The machine needs to
be taken offline between every 2-4 weeks, for some days at a time.
Frequent OS updates also often require reboots in addition to this
downtime. So much for a stable flag, but more importantly i need to
know if this behavior is undesirable for running middle/exit relays?
If so, would a bridge be better suitable with the tools i have at
hand?"