Isn't the true distinction found in motivation?  If the poster intended to inform, it's a mini-review.  If he intended to either give the girl a little extra TER-Love, or is fulfilling a promise/obligation, then his motivations are personal to him and the provider, and not really for the betterment of this community.

There is a widely-held belief that a group of hobbyists exists for the purpose of getting discounted rates, and that they only have three things to offer the girls in return...regular business, reviews, and other forms of promotion.

Of course, just because a poster's motivation is saving $$ doesn't mean his comments are false...it just means that the rest of us can't be sure.

As for the independent versus agency issue, I think there are indies who have sought blatant promotion here recently, but we do seem to see it more from the guys who are agency regulars.  Also, some of the "agency cheerleaders" (the ones with the ugly legs) seem all-too eager to put down an indy who is mentioned, or a client who mentions her.