So, what's your opinion on provider - clients truly being friends with benefits? In other words, is it possible for both to truly enjoy and look forward to seeing each other but also keep it in perspective?

I also have done this; in fact married one.  

But you need to make sure it's girl calling the shots...

I would say you have a 10% or less chance of pulling this off. But the price you pay along with the allusion of  " the deal "  might be worth it to both.

That said, I wouldn't even try it with anyone you haven't known for a while, because the most likely outcome is you'll get ghosted.
Having a FWB is the wet dream of many guys but it almost never happens. Better to leave well enough alone and pay up.

My ATF provider is also one of my best friends. So sex with her is like having a FWB, except they’re paid benefits. We keep our platonic friendship separate from our client/provider relationship. Sex work is how she pays her bills, so I pay for it except for occasional OTC time that she initiates. This way, our friendship can survive after she ultimately retires from sex work… as it did when she took a couple of long breaks from it.

... just to be clear, like you, I'd continue to pay for the time together. Dates would be more personal and intimate.

If there is money exchange, it is hired friendship.

you’ve never had a friend with whom you’ve also done business, right? Or you did, but you expected your friend to provide their services to you for free because of the friendship. Or if you’re the one providing the service to a friend, you never charge them for it.

I got screwed!

It's a fine line.  Don't get used.

for my well-being.

Have you looked at the divorce rate?

I prefer arrangements with my friends. We see each other several time a month for foodie dates & fun. Paying in advance makes the time flow more organically. I am always ISO new friends with benefits.

That's a great idea. Once your comfortable, paying in advance is a great way of mking it feel like a real date.

Im had a friend (hate the word provider) who live about 5 minutes from me who'd text me to  see If I wanted to  go to a movie or stop by with a bottle of wine or go for sushi just hand outn and we did that often and most times wouldn't play.  If we did I'd always gift her.  Bussiness is business and hanging out is just that hanging out.  It was fun and worked for us

That's what I'm talkin' about! If it's dinner, drinks, an event, etc. we go as friends. If we play it's I pay since that's her business. Not easy to find but a perfect scenario if both can keep it in perspective.

Very cool if u find it

Yes,  a client & companion can have a wonderful friends with benefits.
That could last for years.