What does it mean when a provider scores consistently 8-9 in Appearance but 4-6 in Performance? As a newbie, I have not taken the bait.

I've given a couple of these.

It means she is hot, and she delivers, but you'll know it is a service the entire time.  There won't be any GFE, there won't be any multiple pops, there won't be DFK or DATY, there will probably be multiple phone calls from her other clients or the agency.

But, if all you want to do is fuck a pretty girl, and you don't care about anything else besides putting her legs over your shoulders while you pound away, then you can try one of those.  Just know what you are getting (and knowing will probably make the performance more acceptable to you).

she looks hot, but does not deliver the goods, so to speak.  She offers more than she gives you.

Swim

There's a lady around where I live who is really hot -- definitely model looks.

She consistently got reviews in the 5 range. I figured, reading those reviews, I was prepared.

I wasn't. I can live without a few acronym services, but I couldn't STAND her attitude from the very beginning. I didn't write a review because I didn't stay. I DID leave her the $ though. Money is cheap, but life is too short to engage in semi-sex with chicks whose insides don't match their outsides.

Personally, I wouldn't even bother booking with a lady who doesn't get at least "7"s in performance.

I'd much rather go with a lady who scores lower on the looks, and higher on performance rather than the other way around.  A genuine GFE is what I look for.

In fact, I find it hard to pop if I get the impression she's not into it at all.