First and foremost, I have to like what I see. If I like want I see, I do read the reviews. If there are are no reviews, I may or may not take the plunge.

Or do they just confuse things? Sometimes I read reviews and some providers have 10's and 6's below each other. Of course this has been discussed many times here before I am sure, but do you see a provider just based on her reviews, or he online persona?

I start with her pix.  If they turn me on I check her prices.  If I can afford her, I read the reviews.  If they're good (in terms of her menu, the Juicy Details and the rep of the reviewers) I'll book.  Even with the well-known weaknesses of the review process, I have almost never had a bad experience.

what are the well known weaknesses in your opinion?

Briefly: the numerical grades are crude, especially re appearance, and people don't adhere to them.  Plus everyone has different taste, so the numbers are notoriously wrong and usually inflated.
Also, many guys are so afraid of angering a provider they inflate the performance scores and the juicy details section.  There's more, but it's all been said so search the threads.
There are ways to compensate, one being to PM the reviewers and also concentrate on reviewers with a long and credible history.

The backroom deals whereby 10-10 reviews are given in exchange for BBFS or free/discounted sessions. Rare, but perhaps not quite so rare as we'd like to think.

I think mostly gossip.

Most of the time, I'm feeling daring and TOFTT. I usually am the first one to review a girl. Lately, I've been very cautious and only consider providers with two or more reviews. I'm sure I'll be up to my old bad habits in no time though.

I too am sure it happens more than most think it does.

The way I see it why should I give a 10-10 if the gal is say a 6-6 even if the session is free

I would much rather pay for a 10-10 and get a 10-10 that get a 6-6 for free.
IMO a 6-6 is a waste of my jizz free or not.

as for BBFS NO FUCKING WAY !  !  !


Thank you
XLVI = 4