You make up "problems" so you can solve them. You set a dividing line to try to bring out opinions so you can eventually solve all hobby problems don't you? You cause the debate to devolve into what you envisioned.
That's not discussion BM. That's case in point manipulation for which you are known for.
As I don't give a rats ass about you anymore I am free to give my opinion...
I don't care about the un-PC wording of the rating scale. It's been the same rating scale for all eternity since I have been on this board which is probably as long as you and you and you, believe it or not. It is what it is. You BM of all people have the power to change things on TER so do it behind the scenes if you truly cared.
Regarding reviews, ratings, and such...
There is both deflation and inflation of scores as we all know. I think that strategy is more targeted than we all give credit. Let's be honest here. I agree with another response on this thread that you can find a genuinely great time with a provider that has lower appearance scores as well as a shit time with a top 5 MN provider. I think the honest review is a lost art and both client and provider are worse off for it.
The tired old stratification of providers is still around. It's a plan to both promote the in crowd and denigrate the out crowd. Then there's bat shit crazy so the waters become muddy.
Hobby as you feel fit is my ultimate opinion. Take a gamble on a BP provider or take a gamble on a reviewed TER provider. Sometimes there is no difference these days. With the state of affairs today you need to question ad posts, reviews, board posts, everything...