Here in Chitown $350 will get you just about everything your little heart can desire with solid 8's, 9's and a few 10's.  NYC, LA are higher and Dallas, Fla, are a little lower with same type of service and high ratings.
So to answer your question, no I wouldn't see anyone with 7's at $400 when you can get 8's and 9's for $300-$350. That I would pay for and do.

There are ample quality providers available for less, I've never payed that for an initial encounter; but would (and have) for multi-hour sessons with my ATF.  It would be interesting to know what percentage ofproviders income comes from repeat regulars versus new.  I suspect that many guys are like me and if they are going to spend that kind of $$$$, want to know for 100% that they will get a great GFE experience - something that depends not just on the provider, but also the mutual chemistry - something you only learn after at least one visit.

First, I want to see a woman I find attractive - looks, personality (from what I can tell), and services (based on reviews). Then, I will see her if the rate is below my ceiling (which has moved). I have not found that rate is highly correlated with attractiveness. Besides, one man's 7 is another man's 9.

Just my approach. I'm sure others are different.

TER is a big and very helpful community.

However, the majority of men I see would never know it existed if I didn't steer them over here or mention it. They don't look at scores and are generally pretty happy to just find someone who doesn't run out the door with the cash.

There's a whole other UTR scene of men who also used to frequent the girls when madames like Heidi Fleiss ran the scene (before my time) and many of them also do not look at scores or know this exists.

That being said, even if tomorrow I were to get all 4's, I believe I could earn the same amount of money just as easily. As for how to justify it, I suppose if I was going to start giving poor service, at that point I probably wouldn't care, so I wouldn't need a justification.

Currently, although I am low volume, I find myself having to schedule more time for this because I'm inundated with emails and such. I'm a busy girl and so far my schoolwork isn't suffering. Let's hope it stays that way.

Katie

$400/hr. is my standard in NY area.  $500/ hr. and beyond is economically not feasable on a regular basis (once per two weeks), and those that charge at this rate or above do not get contacted for potential meetings.  Scores nor looks have anything to do with it, only extended time (90 mins. or plus) will count here in encountering resistance...