I doubt that business model would work in Toronto. If the cable show is realistic it would not appeal to me in the slightest. Second class sp's in second class accomodations at inflated prices without the novelty of being the only legal establishment around just wouldn't fly.
A girl I used to work with at a spa went to Vegas to earn some extra money at the Bunny Ranch.
There were lotsa promises of huge money (and they did earn quite a lot...) She planned to stay one month - she lasted three days and came home.
She told us that it was horrible. (Management, clients, co-workers). In her opinion, none of the girls that worked there with her could have even been hired at a top spa here in-terms of how they treated their clients, interacted with their peers, and how they looked and presented themselves.
Of course - this is just one girl's opinion on just a few days' experience - and the massage parlour we worked at was definitely not a full-service spa (so there would automatically be differences).... but I don't find it difficult to believe her.
I'm definitely not in favour of anything but discrete brothels, (I would much prefer the style of brothels that already exist - ie not in-your-face tackiness), and I have absolutely no interest in working in one,,,, I'd much prefer that those who've paid their dues (ie. existing Toronto agency owners) are the key players. I have a lot more confidence that they would be better at serving the Toronto clientele and Toronto SPs.