Threads like this remind me about how different every SP's experience is. I can barely recall when the last time I had a problem with a client was. I attribute this to a number of factors. These include being very experienced, being fully independent, being in a higher rate range, not taking short-notice bookings, not taking appointments from anyone I get a bad "vibe" from in their communications, seeing a low volume of clients, using only email for initial communications, the way in which I promote myself and therefore the type of clients I attract, the type of service I offer, where I am located (I imagine smaller towns etc must be tougher) and where I advertise - almost exclusively here on PERB. I am aware this type of situation is not feasible for everyone.
My experience with clients has not always been this smooth of course - I have plenty of stories of poor (and hilarious) client behaviour from when I was younger and working through an agency at a much lower rate, seeing a higher volume of clients and being promoted based just on looks and menu acronyms.
I would personally much rather see fewer clients and love my work than try to make as much money as possible and resent it or get burnt out.
As for Cock Throppled's comments about references being pointless: references certainly do still have a point if the SPs don't know each other, as long as the SP providing the reference has a decent reputation and online presence so she is clearly not someone the client invented. The client can just provide something like his email address, phone number or board handle as an identifier. (It is true that there are many of us who do not necessarily require references however).
