It takes less work to post on a regional board and then pick from the post replies or PMs.

Also, finding a provider through ads or sites might not guarantee a response or availability. A response from a provider to a post probably indicates the provider is available, interested, and has been reviewed.

Many ads are only done weekly (eg TER), or even monthly (eg Eros), so just because a provider has a current ad doesn't mean they're available when you want. To answer your question, at least for me, I do often get business by replying to these posts. Sometimes even when I may not exactly match what the poster said he was looking for, I'll still get business from it. If not from the original poster, than from someone else who saw that I was available.

The bigger issue is these are often same day requests, and sometimes it doesn't happen because there simply wasn't enough time for screening. I highly recommend having a P411 or Date Check membership, it makes things so much easier, especially when trying to book with short notice (ie less than 48 hours).

IMO.  I would be hesitant to see a provider found on some of the local ad sites for fear of being stung.  

Call me paranoid, but unless I have some experience with the agency or can find one or more reviews on here, I am not likely to reach out and contact a provider.  Especially if all she doesn't list a website or TER ID.  If there is someone who catches my eye the first thing I do is run them through the email and/or phone # search here.  No hits I move on.  

Besides, on these boards you get a sense of the ladies personality.  Who she responds to and how she responds.

Where else can you post for an Asian squirter, or all natural lady and get recommendations and volunteers in a matter of minutes/hours!!!