Are providers with 10 or more reviews a safe bet? I also like it when I see reviewers that have submitted multiple reviews with other providers. So in a nutshell 10+ reviews & reviewers with multiple reviews is a safe bet. I don't think LE would go through the trouble of creating a lot of fake reviews and submit reviews for a bunch of providers. Am I correct to make this assumption?
Please provide your insight. Thanks.

I am also a newbie, and looked at a lot of reviews before making my first selection.  I did not have a set minimum, but I was skeptical when I saw a provider with one review by a client who was a first time reviewer.  But my concern was less with LE than with the accuracy of the reviews.  What I wanted was a "sure thing", not a potential ripoff or provider with a lot of rules and limitations that might lead to a less than satisfactory experience.

Another consideration is where the provider advertises.  I would forget CL.  A personal website is a huge plus.  Backpage is okay in my book when backed up by good reviews.  But pretty much any source of leads can be a crapshoot unless backed up by reviews.  That's why I joined TER and got the VIP membership, so I could take advantage of the experiences of others and not have to make all my own mistakes by trial and error.

I would put a gal with three solid reviews by well experienced hobbyists (ten or more reviews of their own) about a gal with ten reviews by first or second time reviewers.

It's always good to check out the history of the reviewer when making a determination.

But you are right in looking for more than just 2-3 reviews imho.  I would think if she has more than 10, she is good on that front.  And if she is reviewed by reviewers that have numerous reviews that is also a big plus.  

If you want to take the review thing a step further see how many reviews some of the other girls have that your target girl's reviewers have reviewed.  That make sense?  The more research you do, the more likely you are to find a very safe provider.  PM the guys if you can also.

Your assumption about LE has a very high probability of being correct.  It is highly unlikely that Uncle LEO is going to go that great length to get a single provider or a few hobbyists.  If the girl is a sham, word will spread quickly once some guy gets busted.

Swim

If you are worried about LE, I think almost any person here, reviews or not, is safe. If you are looking for quality and are unwilling to take chances on that front, you should really listen to the great advice you already got on this.

Also a word about CL... I see ads there from people who are well-reviewed on this site too. I think the only thing you have to watch for on CL, or any other ad site, is provider ads where you can't find any history, reviews or other info for that provider. Most ads are not LE... many ads can be rip-offs and such though.

Also, just because I fall in this category - all providers who have no reviews are not LE, rip-offs, fake or anything else of that nature. Everybody was new once and most of them without reviews are just that - new. Not that I would recommend somebody like that for a newbie to the hobby - just saying, you know?

I don't think there's a general consensus on this question.

For example, there's this girl I'm thinking about seeing but I was a little scared off by the fact that she only has one review. After further research though, I found out she had just started as a provider and that the one person who had reviewed her had about 30 other long and in-depth reviews. She also belongs to an agency with a good reputation. So when you combine all these factors she's a safe bet.

Just a recent example of mine regarding this topic.

Also, I discount very short reviews, and those that are very poorly written.

check out the other reviewers of the same provider, and note the experienced reviewers who gave her similar ratings and had a similar experience - chances are, particularly if you are geographically focused, you'll quickly find several solid reviewers in your area with similar taste - then just check out those they review and like, you'll probably have a similar experience.  You can even pm them and build an online rapport and share info on quality experiences to find new legit providers.