Been around 12 years, have posted some reviews (many visits i dont write up at all) and lately been left feeling somewhat unsatisfied. I find most providers so jaded and guarded. Not that I blame them, I'm sure many hobbyists are total dicks and not very respectful. Point if the post is I am trying to find somewhat of a connection without breaking the bank. I know, you get what you pay for, but I'm not wealthy  (not poor) and just can't do the upper echelon providers. Someday maybe. If any long time members/providers have any recommendations please feel free to pm me. Thanks for reading.

...and a list of example of why you should avoid Craigslist.

I've had excellent luck at the 300roses level.  There are plenty of nice girls around.

I would say start by reading reviews.  I'm always reading the reviews of reviewers I know that have similar  preferences.

I see some good ones and I see some bad ones. I like the diversity and accept some risk as I find it part of the "fun" of hobbying. I am exceedingly careful and do thoroughly research almost all connections whenever possible. There is also a certain "type" I tend to like but this type tends to lead to less than great experiences. That being said, I have had some seriously great experiences. All in good fun

what you put out there as a preconceived notion often ends up as a self-fulfilling prophesy?

 
Like attracts like.   Try being the person you would like to meet, and maybe a miracle will occur.

I've had the opposite experience.  
I use the boards and other venues to find women that I think I'd be compatible with physically & otherwise. Doesn't always work out, but far more often than not it does. I will say that I prefer a woman who shows some aspect of her personality in her posts & ads, rather than just a hot pic.
Lots of great women out there in the 300-400 range

I've never been dissatisfied with an escort in that price range.  This weekend will be my first time with a provider in the 500 to 600 range so I'm curious (very) to see how much better the experience is at that level.

...but I fail to see what is so complicated about curating a selection of companions who charge rates that fall within one's budget and then carefully researching to see which one(s) are compatible. Instead of griping about what you can't afford (and betraying a sense of resentment for those who charge rates that may currently be less than "high-end"), why not focus on seeking out the company of those who deliver the experience you're looking for.

...cause nobody was griping about what they can't afford.  As for the complication about "curating a selection..".lol...
      ...what you see on TER ads and reviews is not what you get (not 100% anyway).  I don't think I need to explain that to anyone.  The authenticity of providers performances portrayed in reviews on here should, shall we say, taken with a grain of a salt.  
    Now yes, there are those, such as yourself clearly, that have a skill for research and combing through reviews and dedicating a certain amount of time to analyse and dissect the data to identify a quality provider within budget.  Hats off Lena, the poster and I, along with countless other hobbyists, don't share your skill unfortunately.  I've taken hours reading reviews, researching, blah blah blah, then calling and leaving messages that don't get returned, etc...  It can be tough.

might want to check out my reviews and then cross reference with some Friday shills on this board.  I think you will find your pot of gold there.  If you want more specifics, send me a message.  Not on here every day, but, you will notice my reviews seem to center around economics and gfeness

in doing your homework. This ain't rocket science.  
I hesitate to look at yoyr reviews to see who's entertained  
but there's a lot of newer ladies around at all price points.
If I had the money, there's probably 20 I'd see in a heartbeat.  

Are you saying you haven't figured this out yet it given up

Its fairly simple and I think you'd agree. You might  
gain some traction if you post an "in search of" and
stated you'd welcome PMs.

Or read the Ad Board. Perhaps consider regional travel,  
like Hartford, Providence or NYC. I find myself in Philly  
a lot and attended a M&G. There's also M&Gs in CT and  
occasionally near the Casinos in RI.  

Or state your preferences before you ask for suggestions.

Certainly not trying to gripe and apologies if it came across that way. Was just throwing a thought out there. Probably could have been better worded but it was not my intention to cause "resentment in upper echelon provider" Was just food for thought and discussion.