Actually most providers, especially indys do not accept verifications from agencies.  Not to speak for the ladies, but one reason is that a agency does not always put a lady interest first when verifying a hobbyist.

I want to chat with someone who has actually spent time with the gentleman, not just the person who screened him. There can be a large difference in opinion between the two!

Sometimes it's possible to contact the lady who saw him, but not often. Every time I've tried to do so my email actually went to the screener/assistant, and I got the run around. Not worth the effort.

Thank you very much. You have confirmed what I was already thinking. Had to make sure for the gent's sake though!