I've been a lurker on these boards for some time, and have been a hobbyist for more than 20 years in many cities across this country.  My experience, which is borne out if you read enough of the posted reviews on this and other boards is that you are far more likely to be dissatisfied with an agency than with an independent.  The better providers generally go out on their own because they don't need the agency to sell them--they have a referral base and a reputation that they chose to protect, and not allow and agency to ruin.  This doesn't mean that ALL agencies, or agency providers are bad.  You really need to read multiple reviews for each provider.  Remember YMMV!  Good Hunting!  By the way, I will only use an agency if there is no other choice.