Florida
There are so many contributing factors. It is different though for the ladies because most of the time we are not given the benefit of pictures and bios contained within a website. Gee, maybe some of you hobbyists should have some websites 
After reading many of the contributions to the discussion boards, I personally can tell if I would really like to see that person. Usually I can tell what a person is like and get a general idea about their personality, likes/dislikes, and whether it is someone I would really like to see.
Sometimes, you may have a chance to meet a hobbyist first. That is always great. Meet & greets are super for this. You get to mingle and meet everyone and put "a face to the handle". Then you determine if there is physical chemistry as well as mental. Years ago, I remember attending a M&G in New York. I met a hobbyist who was very active on the boards. He was outspoken and enjoyed the company of the 10/10 beautiful blonde, enhanced ladies. Neither he nor I would have even guessed that we would have liked to see each other. After meeting during the meet & greet (we really hit it off), he planned a date that night and we saw each other often. Who would have guessed. After meeting a hobbyist in person, I would definitely know f I would really like to see him (or NOT!).
Then you have the "intrigue" factor. I have a lot of girlfriends and sometimes we may discuss a hobbyist (anonymously, of course). If she is describing a wonderful client she met or a great guy or how much fun they had, then of course I would say to myself I would love to see that hobbyist.
Realistically though, the hobby is a man's world. It is the hobbyist's choice. I suppose one can argue that certain girls could hustle a guy they wanted if the gentleman wasn't interested at first, but that is not me. I can only design my site a certain way, conduct myself a certain way at public gatherings and participate on the boards a certain way. I would do these things in a manner designed to attract the type of hobbyist I know I would really like to see.
All that being said, yes I think most of the ladies have certain hobbyists they would really like to see. We all have our different factors. Are you on my list?! One may never know...
I am with you on the M&G thing...that's now almost exclusively how I meet new ladies in this game. I owe a debt of gratitude in that regard to you, since your word carried weight in getting screened at M&G's in NYC and Vegas, when I was a unknown quantity. Meeting ladies face-to-face for a drink and casual conversation at these events has long been a primary determinant in my decision process as to whom to contact for follow-up meetings. I don't see this changing anytime soon...and I understand where are coming from on the opposite side...
Then again, when I was a newbie, where would I be in this game had I not responded to your NYC ad back in'04? Who knows, but it would most likely not have been the most excellent adventure it's been... 
See you soon, babe!
Some are hobbyists who's posts I've admired, others are public figures I've a "crush" on.
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Peace and Joy
Val