In some ways one reaps what they sow. I've been around this game for a long long time and have had very few questionable experiences mostly because I don't have a hair trigger. Over the years I've developed a criteria what I follow pretty strictly and the few questionable experiences were a direct result of not following my criteria which was a lesson learned. All in all it's saved me a ton of dough and quite often I've had months without any activity. I have had the good fortune to have had a regular here and there which were nice and easy and greatly appreciated.
Has the local quality slipped? Absolutely and in my view there are many reasons for this. Bill C-36 saw some reputable providers retire or go underground. Some reputable providers were forced out by competition and in some cases stalker issues. Some just were simply done and went on the other things. Clients have changed as well as we seen the deal breaker bbbj which a little as 5 years ago was virtually unheard of or minimally not talked about in the various public forums as it is today.
Any one who thinks doing this is an easy gig lacks common sense especially if one thinks about it for a minute or two. Sure it's a choice but for some it's about financial survival, and yes there are some who are true courtesans but not many and then there are those looking for some additional income to service debt and yes indeed there are some who quite like it and manage themselves and their business affairs professionally. And for sure there are some supporting a destructive habit.
To sum up if we want a healthy industry here some of the responsibility for that lays with us the clients. Do your homework, it's not that hard to do. Set standards and stick to them, be patient, have reasonable expectations and almost more than anything else try not to be a dick.
Peace
MG