Ladies that are indie -  

But can also work independently.  

1) I worked for a b&s agency when I first started "professionally" (I was the switch lol & my "amateur" career resulted from my exotic dancer days as takeout). It was not difficult to break away, but it's more difficult (in some sense) to be independent. I was never threatened by the agency or their clients in general and was treated better than fair.  

Start with an agency and then decide to be independent for a variety of reasons (financials, safety, independence, flexibility etc). I have heard horror stories from both sides (agency owners sending threats to the girl because she want to be indy, dishonest girls who do not pay the agency, girl stealing clients, being irresponsible, not showing up on time etc.). It is hard to break away as an independent specially now because of the increasing competition in the US but not impossible if you set your mind to it and dedicate the time to market yourself right.
My only observation it is that if things are managed with respect, honesty, trust and a mutual understanding this shouldn't exist as we are all free to decide who to work for, when to quit and why as long as we keep good communication practices with the other person.
From the standpoint of the judicial repercussions of the agency I find that It may be a bit risky to work for them if they don't handle their affairs as a regular business venture (paying taxes, respecting the girls, only giving employment to girls who are over the legal age, respecting the clients, offering the girls a positive and safe work environment etc).
I am sure there are many agencies in the Agency only board who actually do what I mentioned before and are legit established business entities with a good management. That is why whoever considers working for an agency should do a very extensive research, ask questions and make an informed decision in order to be safe.

Did it right ! Fair rates , great pics , steady reviews , and happy men ! Some should learn from the smarter ones like you. But then your whole answer isn't that of a woman who believes she knows it all. Rather a smart business woman .xoxo  
 

are like Vegas what happens there stays there.

Reviewers board
PO board
Agency board

all set up so they can chat w/each other
nothing is suppose to go further.

1. Never, not in a million years. I like being in charge of everything, thanks.  

Never burned any bridges with the providers and quite frankly, when it gets slow, they usually ask to come work a few days a week.

I worked for 3 agencies in the nearly 7 years I've been in the business. All three hardly earned me any money. With one agency, I earned $1000 in a month! I've been indie since 2009 and I love every minute of it. I was treated fairly at the agencies that I worked for.

No crazier than having an assistant, calling out your married clients, etc.  

I used to be independent, but had the misfortune of meeting a client who became obsessed with me!.. A stalker and a psycho!  
Aaaaand nobody to protect me!
So I'd rather work with an agency than be vulnerable and afraid !!!