1 Hobbyist's perspective - Seeing  provider without reviews is a risky gamble. Most times we have no idea what a provider really looks like before we walk in. Reviews do not provide any guarantee but are indicator of whether provider will be what you are looking for based on attitude,  performance, looks, &  cost/value. No it's not like evaluating mowers through  Consumer Reports but given the amount of time, risk, and hassle we all go through to hobby it would be foolhardy to go in blind.

Speed and quantity of reviews is less important than reliability. Know reviewer with  solid track record is worth a dozen unknowns. Also favor reviews showing some effort or coherent opinion versus terse ones with little or no real info. Remember not all reviews even see the light of day - many are rejected on technical grounds. No guarantee a visit from published  hobbiest will result in one - usually the experience has to be above average or below expectation for many of us to take action. Biggest red flag for me is uneven reviews (low rating from known reviewers especially). This is a subjective & anonymous process - YMMV - but law of averages will show the pattern. One classic example that pops to mind is Sundrie (never seen but not for lack of interest) who got many positive and consistent reviews quickly - if location and schedule meshed I wouldn't hesitate for a second (even though I lean to a slightly taller & more endowed provider whenever possible) because she has an extremely reliable track record based on reviews - safer choice.

That said, hey impulse is a big factor and this isn't always a rational process. Everyone has different expectations walking in. Reviews can make those expectations more realistic IMHO.

stay safe out there
the Marquis