I just read this thread. Interesting read...
For me, the elephant in the room is a simple word: chemistry. Or, at least, to minimize the risk of its dismal absence. Much more so than in any other purchase of goods or services, I have always felt the need to satisfy myself on that question before deciding whether or not to book. I don't look for chemistry when I buy a car... even though I much prefer a happy, personable salesperson.
In the old days, the very old days, client and SP met face to face on the streets, a bar or wherever... often, a brothel. A little bit of banter was a natural part of the mating dance and answered the question "go or no go?" Still the same in massage parlors.
Then, the initial contact was on the phone: the sound of the voice and the way the conversation unfolded was a reliable enough indicator.
But there is no way for me to test for chemistry from reading a website.
I assume TERB helps somehow. But, ultimately, just because the SP and some other guy click, does not mean that she and I will. That has to be my own, personal, gut feeling...
The mating dance is by its nature very personal... if the ladies want to keep the booking line exclusively for booking -- and I do understand the logic -- perhaps they should set up a separate line for bantering????
I think some ladies don't really understand how important marketing is for the ultimate success in what they do. All professionals supposedly "waste" a lot of time by directly engaging with potential clients. As a lawyer, I did. Over the years that "waste" turned out to be my most profitable marketing investment for new business.
I know that there are guys that get their jollies from calling escorts... it's one of those nuisances that is a part of the industry. Every industry has its nuisances. Every professional has to learn to cope with all kinds of nuisances...
"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"...
[BTW, there are many people who get their jollies by seeking legal advice on imaginary facts or getting many different opinions for real facts.]
Also, when it comes to buying or selling sex, many of the "rules" are different.
I note, for example, that on Webcam sites the women who are raking in the money are those who know how to just openly give it away... because the men who see it and like what they see, rain down money on them. The ones that need to be booked and paid in advance for everything under the Sun, often just sit there twirling their thumbs or masturbating into the void.
I think there is a lesson there...
BTW -- IMHO, of course -- any professional who sees her/his profession only as a job does not understand what professionalism means.
Perry