Don't forget, a good host now would be running suphp which negates the need for using the FTP layer and adds far more security to your Joomla site.Therefore, unless you have good reason, if you host tells you to use the FTP layer in Joomla.. ask them why they do not yet run suphp.With suphp ownership issues as well as file write permissions are all think of the past.
I hope it helps.