but I'm already sensing that mid-summer, over-heated brain hostility that over-takes many of us each off-season.  God knows I'm guilty at times.  But perhaps there's another perspective in all this...  

First & foreskin, I meant foremost, the Dow Jones reached its all time high yesterday, so maybe this will help consumers with their monetary reserves.  It's my belief that true economic behavior is really based upon what they tell us (possibly they seek a specific reaction in its respect) vs being based upon behavioral patterns reflecting the 'actual' state it's in.  Either theory on this is still good news.  So Bailey, hang in there doll.

Second, & to get back to the original topic for a minute, Elvis, surely you must know there are alternatives to providing references.  ... Verification sites (i.e. P411, Date-Check, etc) ... Traditional screening of a Provider you can research to deem trustworthy for the sharing of your confidential info (research both within & outside of TER).  This will only be necessary until you can acquire at least two references, which then is the min most Providers require to meet you.  IMO, b/c I'm sure at some point I've been guilty of it too, attempting to seek pity through the tone of your post, will likely produce results in opposition, unfortunately.  Just sayin'...

Third, Bailey & riorunner both have good points regarding review scores, adversely.  While it is true we ladies want high scores, occasionally we get a reviewer who consistently scores low for all his review-ees, affecting our avg score (regardless of intention).  And while this unfair discrepancy can be discovered by way of further researching hers & his other reviews, some researchers may not know of this cross-examination method for sorting out truth.  In the opposite respect, the same goes with a reviewer who consistently scores high.  But if anything like myself, I desire that only truth be published within my reviews & therefor I am confident that these scores will remain high, b/c it's my obligation to prove these testimonies true.  Worse yet, & even more misleading to the researcher, is when the flat-out fake review goes into print.  This is an atrocity, scored good or bad, & is frustratingly difficult to have removed from its publication source, posted fugazi by jackasses either seeking free site membership/VIP status, or intended revenge.  A community without reviews though, would turn it upside down, while they have their advantages & disadvantages.  

Forth, welcome NikkiAz.  And I'll be the one to step up & say, it's not necessary to apologize for interjecting in a post thread.  This is your prerogative & likewise, how these boards prevail with success.  And anyone who confuses interjection with interruption is plain retarded (yeah, I said it!  And I like sentence fragments and/or beginning with conjunctions too!)!  Especially when your contributions are legible, polite, & beneficial, your input is welcome IMO.  Concern of confrontation with a board bully is usually nothing to ponder here, as one was banned & the others hang out on the General board where they've got their own fan club.  (What?)  Anyhow, I agree with your perspective regarding gratitude & reviews... although my opinion doesn't matter related to your posting rights.  Further, your acknowledgement & appreciation of being surrounded by other beautiful, quality Providers, is an attractive appeal.  Within itself, this is what creates competition (a positive word with a negative connotation), which fortunately keeps those who produce products/services, striving to be their best... good for the manufacturer's own self-improvement, but ultimately, is the key factor behind the variety & quality choices we consumers benefit from.  Awareness of this, I think, is mandatory for success, & a win-win formula for both the Hobbyist & the Provider.  Your attitude should serve you well here & I wish you all the best.

Lastly, to whom it may concern, & I ask to be reminded of this when perhaps I am not following suit... but the saying goes, "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar".  JMO.  Have fun & stay safe everyone!