Restricting Readers

Long story short. I had user levels and WP v2.0 that let me use a user level plug in. Life was good. Then I get an email saying “you must upgrade” from my host. So, like a lemming, I upgrade. I lost the use of my user level plug in, and therefore my privacy. Overall, I don’t need a bunch of user levels really but I do want the ability to get some privacy. I don’t want “password protected posts” but so that people can register and if I decide to post, but this one is going to be for my “special friends” only they will see it, and if you are not among the group, there is no evidence of it. You know? I know it’s possible with WP…. but how? Either that, or I just need to revert back to the old version of WP with the old plug in?