And what these two things have in common is that it's messy, ugly, happens daily, and if you get too close you'll get some on 'ya.

Just sayin'

On the other hand, 99% of the time I've had providers give me a reference and never had any problems, so that system still works well.

Just avoid the ones that seem to be in drama-land.

One who is/was cooperating with LE. Do not dismiss what the other provider said.

That aside, yes. "Some" providers are very good at backstabbing one another. When money is involved there will be petty jealousy and quibbles.

The good news is that they are better at protecting one another. Stick with the well reviewed providers and you should be just fine.

once again from the land of little entertainment, I fill out the contact form on a providers website who it visiting.

I list two references (both of which are well reviewed and on datecheck), and give my datecheck ID.

Comes back with this:

"I will do job verification because the fact (name) has helped the police for almost a year and the police are on verified sites."

I know it's really hard to tell who is who, and I had to politely decline because I don't remember going to jail with the other provider, and this just too far out of line with what I'm used to.

The Civvie world is sooo much easier, but not nearly as exciting!!!!

Does Wal Mart like Target, are you getting my drift? The idea is to hobby drama free, it's not always easy, but can be done.  If you hobby long enough you will witness provider wars, agency wars, and all sorts of disputes.  

She has nothing but great reviews here on TER and elsewhere, but would rather not fall victim to any of the "backbiting hos" out there. I personally don't think she has much to worry about, but if it makes her feel more secure, that's cool. Besides, the only 1-star votes on the Michigan Eros listings (both GG and TS) are mine , and are for the ones I've proven to be scammers (often with the help of the TER forums), in order that others can be warned off.

you might be traveling to and want to see a provider, you will get an idea of who the drama queens are.  Some providers are great at putting up a "glowing front" but stab fellow providers and sometimes hobbyists behind their backs.

any chance you would confidentially pm me on that indiana provider?
Sure would be better than finding out the hard way!