One thing, I would suggest you would have more luck setting it up if it was a monthly thing for $40-50 instead of weekly $10-$12 ones.
Many new sites seem to be more willing to set up private tourneys. I might also suggest that when you are approaching a site to host one you make it clear that you are offering a link to that site in the advertisement of the tourney. That way they see it as marketing for them and not just doing YOU a favor. I know Absolute has private tourneys, but I am not sure what they require to set them up.
PantherPoker (if I remember correctly) had something about setting up private tourneys in a newsletter. Might try there.
Good Luck
