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

Some of them post different rates on different sites. Also, ladies themselves on X have posted that some gals post the high rates to give themselves negotiating room. Not everything is set in stone. At times, I've inquired about a ladies rate and when she quotes high, I don't respond. Sometimes, they come back with a lower rate.

I look at lots more then just rates
Communication
Activities offered
Location
Attitude
body size
any reviews here
They finally decicde if they are worth their asking rate at what ever amount
So i look at the total package