The gentleman my seem a bit paranoid, but in today's environment, these sorts of responses should be expected. You see, what you girls need to realize is that, unlike several years ago, hobbyists are being targeted by LE in the same manner as providers, if not more so. They are highly vulnerable, and  are often easy targets, as men generally tend to think with the wrong part of their anatomy.  Nowadays, the risks have been divided down the middle, as the demand side of the equation is also at great risk; actually, some may even argue that the hobbyist faces greater danger and has even more to lose, since it's not just LE that he must concern himself with, but the prospect of his significant other finding out as well. I can only agree with this individuals unwillingness to provide you with this information.
The other interesting point is his dissatisfaction with the price. He indicates that it is too much; well, he may have a point here. Under current conditions, given the increased amount of uncertainty assumed by the hobbyist , one would expect the price to adjust in order to compensate for the higher level of risk exposure, a risk discount if you will. It seems as though this is what has been developing as of recently. Prices seem to be falling--yes, it is also a result of a faltering economy-- but additionally, it may also be the result of the hobbyists reluctance to act, given the many perils he faces. Sure, providers, just like suppliers of other goods/services, have had to offer incentives and other forms of deep discounts in order to stimulate business activity as a result of the austere economy, but I clearly believe that that is not the only reason prices have been declining. Anyway, enough said.
-Beef

Autumn, do you and other providers feel more comfortable when a TER member with reviews calls?  Do you go through the same screening process?  It IS uncomfortable to give detailed info to someone you've never met before... while trying to remain discreet.  On the other hand, I understand your need for security purposes.  Do reviewers of TER reduce your concern for detailed screening??  (Personally, I'd be interested in contacting you if I knew I could refer you to my reviews as a reference...)     Just wondering...

It is a one way information flow with the provider refusing to dilvulge anything short of having a web site.  So we have to depend on TER and sometimes the providers get their listing removed because they don't like what they hear about themselves. It's an a crap shoot! I think that the providers should hear the horror stories from customers that are too polite to put it on TER because TER is afraid to taint the providers reputation.

Interesting.  It sounds like a typical respose from someone who pretty much thinks that the hobbyist is the more important part of the hobby and the provider is merely a tool that shouldn't ask for any information.  Otherwise, he would have realized that while it is important for hobbyists (with or without SOs) to exercise discretion, providers are also at risk and must be cautious as well.

I guess he was expecting you to just drive to his hotel room without verifying that he wasn't LE and to give it to him for free.  I guess I should have gotten into the hobby years ago during the good old days if that's how it went down.  

Personally, I know I am running risks by participating in the hobby, which is why I try my best to do my homework before I set a date.  But I also appreciate the fact that the providers are also running risks, different risks from me, but risks nonetheless, so I am not against providing what information that I'm comfortable with so that they can be sure that I'm not a threat to them.  I'm not sending a TRW to any provider, but I sure won't expect them to see me if I can't prove to them that I am a real hobbyist.

Just my $0.02.
BKMan