Folks:
I was contacted by the provider who this thread is about, and I have to say that her position on references is made pretty clear on her website. On her website, she says she does not give references. To verify clients, her website says she will use P411 or information provided by the potential client - she apparently does not ask other providers for references for potential clients.
While I encourage ladies to share information about clients through references, it is a personal decision. Since the lady in question has made her position on references clear on her website, I believe that part of the thread has run its course.
The remaining issue has to do with contact with the client. Her account of contact with the client is more innocent than is suggested in the thread, although she does not dispute that she was in contact with the client. I don't have personal information about that, so I can't give an opinion. I know from experience that communication is often complicated. That issue will remain unsettled.
What we have is two well known providers who have had a disagreement. I hope this helps to cool the passions.
JaG