I've used both and had pleasant experiences with both, but wanted to get a sense of what other hobbyists and providers feel are the pros and cons of both. Thoughts?

captured things quite accurately and succinctly - an Indy can create a more personal experience and some rapport leading up to the date. I value that. I also primarily book longer dates with some public time... a challenge for agency gals in terms of schedule and for both of us in terms of comfort level being out and about.

I will say that I have booked with agencies when I had some surprise free time and felt inclined... so I tend to see agencies as being a "go-to" for last minute bookings. Not a frequent occurrence for me.

My experience is that independent women are more likely to give you a more intimate, high end experience.  GFE in the sense that it feels like you are connecting with someone.  

Agencies are much easier to schedule with, especially if you are not able to plan in advance and need to make a same day or last minute appointment.  But the women tend to be less interested in making a connection with you.  A lot more obviously fake affection.  Calling you baby a lot and stuff like that.

All that said, those are only generalities.  I have had boring, non intimate experiences with indies and I have had agency girls who I connected so well with that I went back to see them the very next day, and every day they were available thereafter

"I've used both and had pleasant experiences with both" - me, too!

I think my worst experiences in the room were mostly agency girls.  
However, my NCNSs (grrrrrrrrrr) were all, but one, indies

...are almost like dealing with a mini agency.  With some indies I've booked I only spoke with their assistants prior to the date.  I'm not a fan of that at all as I like to build at least some kind of rapport with a lady before the door opens.

That said, like Devin mentioned, most indies deal with their clients directly, which is nice and helps make the session go smoother IMO.

While I've never worked at an agency, I'm constantly surprised regarding the unexpected places where I find connection and chemistry.

totally agree.