All the local providers have been struggling. The takedown of BP and the implementation of FOSTA/SESTA created an extremely hostile environment for all of us. I have been sticking with regulars, and not trying anyone new.

Buck, my impression is the opposite.  I'm in the cities for extended periods about twice per year. This time I've been back for about 2 months and I have a list of real possibilities that is unmanageably long. The number of ads in multiple places is mind-boggling. The problem is the lack of credible reviews, so I'm really looking forward to TER getting back up to speed. Thing is, TER has some very varied competition now, and even though the competition's review systems are generally even more flawed than this one, their picture heavy, provider driven presentations are attractive. TER is going to have to work very hard (not least on keeping the reviews real) if it's going to make it all the way back in. Hope it does. It makes everyone more relaxed, and the games much more enjoyable.

Some aspects are underground but events don't happen frequently enough to count on them like you would the precious time you have with friends who repeat. Many men I've spoken to whom I know but don't work with stick to their main providers and throw them a bone when they invite UTR friends. They don't stray because they will get their balls busted as their main providers have some influence in the local climate. (Imagine having to hide your private endevours from your spouse AND your professional girlfriend). Rates may seem overly high with some because they may have a club mindset and it's more of an illusion that tends to be image heavy on social media. It's doubtful if they provide FS and difficult to find out if you can't get past their screening and on their calendar. I've also gotten the feeling men are afraid to express themselves due to censorship. I've even heard some men prefer to go outside of the US to hobby so they stand less of a chance of being accused of bad bahavior.

I tend to go from really active in the hobby to out and than back in again.  It used to be pretty easy to find the type of company I am interested in with the type of provider I prefer.  Not so much this time.  There seems to be way more fake reviews, rip off ads and uncle Leo than there used to be. That doesn't even take into account what the providers seem to charge these days.  It will most likely all work its way out, but seems like the upheaval created 18 months ago is trying to work its way back out of the market....

I haven’t noticed much change in the so-called hobby in the past 22 months, but that’s likely because even before SESTA/FOSTA and TER’s hiatus I focused on a few providers who I knew to be dependable and always give a top-notch experience, even in the days of no new reviews. And they also are reasonable on their rates, and didn’t raise them over the past couple of years (or if they did it was a small increase). I figured, why not reward these ladies for their professionalism in those tough times rather than take risks?

I saw a few new-to-me providers during that time, but they came from a list I made when SESTA/FOSTA was spinning up, while I could still see TER reviews.   They all had long-time, exceptional review histories so weren’t a risk. I also stayed in P411 and that proved useful, especially when TER was kaput.  

Losing TER caused a great upheaval and things changed in the time it was gone.  Now, its back.  Assuming it's back "permanently," does that mean everything will go back to the way it used to be. Not completely I think.  Too many other options out there that aren't just going to go away.  But the loss of all the information TER had was a huge blow to hobbyists and providers (at least the ones who didn't hate TER).  I think we will know a lot more in 6 months to a year when things are more stable.

Losing TER to the SESTA/FOSTA madness reduced the number of easily accessible providers by at least half while driving prices up. It feels like we had great prices and variety and then lost it, like losing hub status and seeing routes cut and prices hiked.

I don't think providers were being greedy by raising prices - they had no choice with lower demand and higher risk. There's a point where it's not worth it.

Now the overall hobby is coming back but it's fragmented. Far fewer touring ladies come through flyover cities since they can't advertise enough to make it worthwhile. The mid-range providers have all but disappeared as there's pressure from really low-end (car date/QV) providers on Escort Babs and probably sugar baby sites to some extent.  

TER won't 'come back' unless it evolves to offer better pictures and provider support and manages boards better. More providers on the site = more reviews = more members. A large part of the old success for TER was due to regional boards but they were already dying out before FOSTA due to just a few toxic members and providers. Another step would be to invest in regional moderators and put toxic posters into timeouts more quickly, and ban them if they won't change.