during a bust. So asking "are you a cop" is a waste of time.

LE can say whatever they want and still bust you if they want. Stick with well and recently reviewed providers here on TER. Avoid Craig's List if you are at all unsure of your BS detecting skills.

First off like the others have said the police can say whatever they want on CL, through email, on the phone whatever.  Even that they are not police.  That does nothing whatsoever.  It is not entrapment because you already had a propensity to commit the crime before you talked to them.  

Secondly, even if you only say a time and price over the phone is enough for at least a solicitation of prostitution charge.  If the police weren't the ones on the other line, but it was the provider, she agreed, and then the police came, that would be conspiracy to commit prostitution.  

Finally like the others said, stay away form CL if you do not want to take any risks.  Police have been known to repost ads of providers they have busted to see who calls, as previously stated enough for solicitation.  

Solicitation and conspiracy are both inchoate crimes, so it really doesn't matter that you actually didn't do the "act" only that you had the intent to do it, and the fact you called the provider is intent enough.

asking the ( provider/escort ) if shes a cop is pretty much a waste of time 100% !!! even if shes a cop, she allowed to lie to you in just about every way she wants legally , casue they are doing an under cover sting/investigation....on a good note  must stings are done to arrest providers  not clinets..not only is it much easier but it looks better infront of the media....

You've discussed price by even mentioning it.  That's bad and can get you busted just for showing up.

And asking if they are a cop is no security.  They are allowed to lie.  Have you never heard of an undercover cop?  That's the whole point of being undercover.

The only reason you have not been busted is because you have not been with any cops yet. Simple. Your rationale is flawed.