Not having dealt with anyone from Backpage before
Does it make any difference if only a reply is availible
and not a phone number ?

My opinion is yes.  About 99% of provider ads say "No Blocked Calls or Text Messages" and if you read the discussion board, a large percentage of providers who provide an email are not to prompt to reply.  If they can't provide a number, I never consider a session.

From my experience, if they have no reviews, provide an email only they are either:

1. LE - Nothing like catching you with written evidence.
2. Not in the city being advertised and testing the market.
3. Fake Fake Fake

There is only one exception, Olivia Love who is deaf.

Thanks Dog, hope Cat's Paws didn't get wet