Have "they" lost their minds?

Looking at listings and seems like $400-500 is a common starting point now, and often jumps to $700+

What has happened since I was last around?

Well i don't know real ansers but my opinion is they feel like they are entitled to that rate. There must be enough of you KC guys willing to pay that much. I ve been working up this way for 4 to 5 months and and haven't been able to make amy appts that they will keep and i am selective on who i see so i quit trying and i ll pay up to 400$
So i just stay seeing my regulars so they can starve or change jobs i fking don't care

It's not that they feel they are entitled, it's cause guys, a lot of guys, are paying it.
I know traveling gals that have even higher rates.
Making a long-term deal with a local gal(s) is perhaps your answer.

Yes that's a good solution and you guys have one traveling lady i paid 450$ to and is very very well worth it i will see her in a New York second when schedules line up hell i may take another vacation to het area but mean time i have several regulars that are very good