I think you guys should read the question again.

why.........?

I'm confused now too. We're answering the question, aren't we?

lol thats what i thought *insert confused smilie here*

should you register your domain name independently from your web host?

NO

That tells me that you should register it with your web host...

Of course the question was asked differently in the post....

Stop with the word games. Only register your domain with your webhost if a) You know from someone else's experience that you will in fact have full control and will not get the run around. b) please see reason "a"

On my website I refer members to my friend's reseller domain registrar as I know they have full control of their domains, and they are cheaper for .com's, .net's and .org's.

I always suggest that you register your domain separate from your webhost. If you ever have a problem, or they have a problem, it is a lot faster and easier to switch your DNS entry at GoDaddy or whereever you use and move on. It is more of a hassle to for people to move when you are not in control of your domain name.

There is no definitive answer to this question, because the answer depends on what your site is about. If you're seriously trying to start/run a business, and you have a very unique and valuable domain name idea, then registering it yourself directly would be the most sensible option. But if it's just something to play around with or if you're putting up a temporary site, or a site just to let Aunt Jenn see your new baby's pictures, just register with the host (do some research to ensure that they are reliable and don't look to be leaving the market within the next 2 weeks); it will most likely be much less costly that way. Personally, I have used a few different hosts, and have never had any problems whatsoever with who gets to do what with my domain names, except one (APlus, who wanted me to pay them seven times the original cost to renew the name, forcing me to either wait a year or register an alternate). Other than that, it's been smooth.
Still, don't fail to take into account what these others are saying. If it's important enough, take the safest route.

The only way that I would ever recommend registering a domain with your web host is if they are actually an ICANN Accredited registrar. If they have this status, there are several rules about what they can and can not do with your domain, thus you are safe from a lot of the fears that other people have mentioned in this thread.

Here is the list of the accredited registrars:
http://www.icann.org/registrars/accredited-list.html

Good point...