Consolidation Question- Direct Loan to CFS

I'm pretty desperate for some advice, because I'm being pointed in two
different directions and need to know what's true. I have $40K+ in student
loans that I consolidated under the Ford program a few years back.
Previously they were in default, so I was put under an income contingent
repayment. For whatever reason, the IRS took forever to give them my income
numbers, so I've been paying based on my income at time of consolidation for
the first 30 months. Now the IRS has finally sent the info, and the DOE has
informed me that my payment is going to increase by $500 per month.

I was told that I could switch to the level repayment plan ($400 less than
the new payment) only after I make three consecutive payments at the higher
rate. I can't afford these higher payments, so they put me on a forbearance
with a payment equal to the level repayment plan. I called another lender,
CFS, which offered to reconsolidate and use the level payment plan, and give
some pretty nice interest breaks for auto debit (same as DOE) and after 36
months. I wouldn't have to string together forbearances to keep the lower
payment, my term would not be extended by forbearances, the rate reduction
would cut my term by years, and I wouldn't have to make three consecutive
payments at the outrageous level that I cannot afford.

My question is, what is the downside? Reading old posts, their reputation
appears to be good, but I worry that I'm being painted a pretty picture.
CFS has told me everything I expect them too-- they're trying to sell their
product. What do I give up by moving from a government loan to a private
consolidator? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.