I understand this situation very well and could see your frustrations and regret. Firstly this is unfortunate that happened to you and Im sorry it did.
My first concern as the consumer would have been the "she had an agent part", me particularly being both provider and participant, I would have stayed clear of this even with all the reviews she had. (This is a completely biased opinion)
The second thought I have is, the small red flags in your gut telling you there were some "inconsistent" things you noticed before you booked her for such dedicated trip should have been paid attention to .........if it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck...its a duck -- don't get the duck if you expected filet mignon...in other words if someone doesn't meet your high standards 100% then don't budge, keep looking for your diamond until you get it
Last the issue of "gifts" is a delicate and tough talked about issue but I feel this must be said (I cannot speak on behalf of anyone else but myself) A gift is simply that..a gift. A genuine gift should not come with leverage, expectations, or "indian-giving"...When handing a gift over with expectations, it will fail you every time. Call the giving of " I bought over $1000 in gifts for her together" exchange for whatever you expected in return, a lesson learned.
Also at the end of the day you are paying for a ladies' time to spend with you and in that time she should meet your expectations as was presented about herself via marketing on her behalf (and I would hoped clear communication) anything outside of that expense is at your discretion or hers (gifts, trips, etc) Unless the agreed upon transaction was the exchange of gifts for time or gifts being part of the transaction at no undermining or ulterior motive costs (at which point would be poor business added already to your story about this lady)
You cannot hold the "gift giving" against her even if she's asked; shame on you for buying and shame on her for asking, I'm sure she is quite capable of purchasing her own items and you are capable of being a gentleman with a polite decline.
My best advice for you: Treat extended dates the same way you would dating someone new and wanting to go on vacation with them.
1. Acknowledge exactly what you want: where do you want to go? do? see? participate in? etc
2. Find the INDEPENDENT lady of your choice ((Ive found with a woman doing her own laundry you truly can get to know her one on one)
3. Be completely transparent, clear, and honest with yourself as well as stating this honesty when contacting the provider
4. Go on as many dates as possible to where you feel 100% comfortable with the lady of your choice before committing to an extensive and expensive vacation/extended trip
As for you last question of donations and deposits: that I can not answer as, "to each lady their own conduct of business", but I'm sure with enough dates under your belt you can get a real sense of security, genuine intent, compatibility, chemistry, comfort, and enthusiasm with/from someone.
No one wants to spend each day and night for several days with someone they don't enjoy truly being around, their true colors are bound to show in a matter of time, its just the nature of the beast. One can only wear a mask for so long. But if you are with someone where no mask is needed then the trip is lovable and enjoyable for all.
This is mind you can possibly bypass a security deposit, upfront donation, etc depending upon the rapport, trust, and business conduct of the lady who you have in mind.
Lastly if you feel you weren't given a great service for which you paid for then I particularly would not pay as the consumer...coming from the ladies standpoint what is owed and not paid does not stand well. But if you say you are and behave how you claim then you won't have a problem finding another lady of interest to date you. To pay to save face or not to pay for unfair service? Thats your call.
I truly hoped this helped you love and your next excursion be a beautiful one!
Have a joyous, successful, and relaxing week!
Affinia Devonshire~