webassist mysqli extension seems to work fine. The latest version of mySql has dropped pconnect for connections. You can either go mySqli route or use a prior version of MySql. hostmonster,bluehost and namecheap web hosting ALL provide options to set your server to the versions you want to use. Although I am using MySqli extensions on some of my sites I still rolled back the versions to be compatible with sites I don't choose to upgrade. BTW none of those hosting services I use charge anything extra because of the versions used. I am not sure but I believe godaddy and hostgator are also no charge. I would seriously move away from a provider that charges me extra for something I can get for free elsewhere.
