I found all these comments very interesting, and am a bit surprised by the number Perb-ites who had taken the time to respond. Clearly this question strikes a chord with people on this site, and in many cases is something they have thought about or done.
But before throwing my 2 cents into the mix, sadly, I may have to burst Tantalizeme's bubble, regarding the following comment in his most recent post:
"I also notice: less than 3% of respondents oppose sex work. Extrapolating the results of my poll to the Canadian male population, I happily conclude that anti-SP sentiment has largely evaporated, even though there's still the odd dinosaur around"
I think Angus Reid would say that this is an unfounded conclusion since this is about as far from a random sample of Canadians as one can get. It may be a wild guess on my part, but I think most folks who are on this site have little against the sex trade. Just a guess.
Now my views on the scenario laid out by Tant.
If I were to have made any connection with a SP in the sense of believing she was a good individual in need of a little help, I would glad do certain, fairly straightforward things without expecting compensation. For example, writing an ad in English if she is unable to do it well, giving advice on where not to stretch the truth whether in ads or on the phone.
For someone who I liked and who had not provide surly service or gave me any kind of grief, I would do the foregoing happily and without expecting anything in return. If I wanted to see her again for the professional services she offers, I would pay, and expect to pay.
Favours might extend to other things. For good hearted ladies who are new to Vancouver and who have not seen much or anything of the place, I would show them around if they would like that, on their off days. That hasn't actually occurred but I have had this type of conversation a couple of times, and some ladies seem to like the idea of getting out of their work places. On one occasion, when a SP and I were getting along quite nicely and chatting after the deed, she asked me if I would mind giving her a little tour of the city and surrounding area when her period struck, since she claimed to have seen really nothing of the city. That little trip never took place, but I probably would have done it if asked again by her when she was not working.
As for some of the other types of favours/work, I would definitely stay away from the serious business end. I would not transport ladies to their appointments, I would not become a phone man, and I certainly would not do what one good hearted poster says he did which was to "sponsor" ladies into the country. Some serious risks attached to the latter. That would get me much deeper into the business end that I ever want to get. I am happy being part of the "demand side" of this business and will leave the "supply side" to others.
I also agree with Tant's recent observation that many guys might be wired to help a lady after having enjoyed their time with her. That would be the case for me. For, while I might well do some helpful things for an SP who asks and who I like, I would be far less likely to do the same thing (if anything!) for a papasan who might ask.