Is Bitstamp a reliable exchange?

I’m new to bitstamp. I transferred a small amount of fiat into my bitstamp account via SEPA and bought litecoin from this. Attempting to withdraw this to my wallet is blocked — the message on the site asks me to contact customer support via telephone. After 10 minutes of listening to elevator musac, it goes to answer machine. Customer support message requests go unanswered, now for three days.

This behaviour by an exchange is antithesis to the concept of crypto currencies: I feel like my possessions are being held hostage by an unresponsive bank! This outfit does not inspire confidence. I can only warn everybody to stay away from bitstamp, unless they learn to let their customers move their funds as the customers see fit.