Nope. Not always true. I've had fun with girls in the 100 to 200 range.

Usually the opposite.  I never saw a reason to go higher than 300.  And I've tried.

Do any of you feel that personal escorting will ever be affordable to the masses?

I’ve gone as high as $1k but that was with a still-active porn star and it was worth it. It was also about 20 years ago. Now, I’m not sure I would go higher than $500. You get to a certain amount and no matter how good it is, it doesn’t justify it. But everyone is different and I think there is an allure for some in being able to pay a sky-high rate, a certain level of exclusivity.

Sounds kinda skanky, dude!

Not necessarily better, but they seemed to be able to command the rate due to providing worthwhile dates to a sufficient number of clients.

I think I started the topic of high rates, and I’m still struggling with what to do (if anything at all). I only rarely even consider meeting up with someone, and at this point in my life, I just want to see really beautiful women.  Is that honestly possible these days without breaking the bank?  

There is an economic concept called Veblen good. Where the demand increases as the price increases. Think of a luxury good. The higher price has a implication of a better product or service.  

Depends on what you’re looking for. For strictly between the sheets…there are plenty of incredible women who can make you forget your name for very reasonable donations.  

I started doing this in the 80's and I don't think I've ever seen anyone for $100.

I had a friend who advertised under two different names.  One name charged double.  She told me she didnt want to discount the expensive name  but got more activity under the lesser price.   I enjoyed reading the reviews for each lady.   She left the business a while back.  She saw me for a time after she retired but then we lost touch.  And, yes, she charged me the lesser price.

There’s a theory in economics that says a product with a high price has appeal because it’s perceived to be elite or luxurious. Doesn’t work for me but whatever.

While there are sooo many variables to pricing, a good deal has to do with the market area for the provider.

nope

I think this pretty much sums it up. That's not to say there isn't a reasonable degree of variability in "physical" skills, but more that the variability in emotional and mental skill is more extreme. And moreover, really good companionship--the kind where you feel like she's present, plugged in, and authentically connected with you--takes a good amount of emotional "lifting." A companion simply can't do that for multiple dates in a row on a given day, multiple days in a row. Longer dates, a smaller collection of repeat patrons, and ample space between dates is the only way to consistently provide all the emotional goodies of genuine companionship. For a more companionship driven provider, this usually results in higher rates for the shorter dates, but the rate structure often flattens a bit for longer dates.

Well written I have found that to be true.

Girls can and should charge whatever they want. Girls should also stick together in this business and not pin others against each other. We have enough stuff to worry about.

This business is a full spectrum of providers from young,mature,trans,high end to street walker. Just as any business there is a variety of choices to choose from. If someone doens't like the rate on one provider...there are a million choices in their range.  
If they can't afford it they can either save or move on.    
Still not sure what you are trying to accomplish with this ThreAD.  
The best way to bring business to yourself is to worry about yourself and not what someone else deems appropriate for themselves.  

This is how I approach pricing

Certainly many do act as if they hold all the cards. You can tell from reading their profiles that many seem to have this “my way or the highway” attitude even though technically they work for us. Certainly one of the biggest leverages they have is the ability to block us if we don’t do things exactly their way.

I'll take good looks, submissiveness and open menu for $350 Alex...lol.