I don't know any providers personally.  Not because I'm opposed to it; I actually wouldn't mind meeting the two well-reviewed ladies.  It would be a great opportunity to learn about the business and the tips and tricks they've picked up.
I have "met" through this website and another some truly remarkable women.  Through their postings, emails, and/or private messages they have been of great help.  
I believe that it all boils down to self-confidence and esteem.  Once you have achieved a healthy level in both your self-confidence and self-esteem there is no need to harm another.  The provider and the hobbyist that insult, degrade,take advantage of, etc. show not only how they feel about themselves ie: not being worthy of a healthy relationship, but more worrisome how they feel about women.

I have met a few providers through M&G but I do not know any personally. I have talked to a few on the phone and know of a few since we have some of the same clients. I am a super self confident person, inside and out. I have no time or inclination to be rude or backstab someone. There are many other pleasant things I can do with my time. I will always give referrals and have offered several times to meet for coffee, or drinks with several ladies. I think it's a bit intimidating to some women but I wish I did have a few closer friends in the business who could understand what I go through. It would help me and it would help them. I have referred several clients to out of town girls I know about and have no problem with any of them seeing them. If a gentleman I am with desires company when I'm not available or when he's in a different city I would want to know he's being taken care of as good if not better than I do. I don't think I'll lose business over giving a referral like that and if I do, so what there is always someone else to fill the space.

providers that I consider very good friends, in my personal lfe and professionally.  We refer our clients to each other all the time.  We know it's all about variety for some guys and they appreciate our non-possessive approach to the business.  My relationship with these women is invaluable to me, there is always someone I can talk to about my provider life, someone that understands and doesn't judge.

I have, however, heard some horror stories of things that supposed friends have done in this business.  I've even been on the receiving end of it once but I wouldn't trade my friendships with my provider friends for anything in this world.  When it's time for me or one of them to step out into the civvie world, I will be proud to call these ladies my friends.

other than getting a general, vague idea of a few providers from their postings here and their websites, i don't have any knowledge of, contact, or relationship with any other providers. not that i would be opposed to it...it would be nice to have a female friend period, but especially one in this business, who could commiserate, laugh, just generally relate with. but my life doesn't allow much opportunity for that sort of thing. i'm incall only, in my own private home in a fairly conservative suburban community, so there's not much chance of me bumping into other providers.

also i generally find it difficult to relate to most other women...all my life, i've never had girlfriends, my friends have always been male. i find men easier to talk with, relate to, and i just find them to be much more cozy, comfy, laidback company. i don't have typical female interests...shopping, jewelry and such, and i don't have the typical female view of sex, even for a provider. so all of that would make finding a provider friend very difficult.

There are a number of ladies that I have become well acquainted with through private mail on TER and e-mails. I haven't really gotten to know very many of the ladies in my area, but I have had opportunities to meet some of the ladies who have passed through here on tours. I think it is important to build relationships with other providers because I see these women as a source of information, commissration, and strength. No one in my civillian life has any idea what I do, so it is with these ladies that I can vent ocassionally, share funny stories, ask questions, etc, or simply talk to about this business.

Fortunately, TER has a group of women here that are terrific who have given me more insight and information than I could imagine, and are the best source of support I could ask for.

the cat fights get too much attention. The fact that there are so many ladies willing to white list guys here on TER and give references belies the image that there is rampant vicious competition. Those few occasions are fun to watch, howeever (from a distance!). LOL