Okay, I want to start by saying that I fully support every provider's right to determine what her time is worth and what she is comfortable doing in that time. Also, I always book with GFE providers. I really don't want this to deteriorate into another debate over what GFE is, so stipulate that it entails attitude, many intangible elements, and a couple of specific activities (kissing and DATY--not even going near the whole CBJ vs. BBBJ thing). In my market, the minimum for that appears to be about $250/hr.
So within those parameters, I've found little correlation between price and quality of experience. Some providers I have seen who have higher rates are worth every penny, but the degree of variability is extremely high. For example, on a trip to Florida last year I ended up seeing three different providers, with rates ranging from $250 to $500 per hour. All had great reviews, albeit not on the most reliable of sites. None of them were bad experiences, but I had the best time by far with the lady who charged $250, while the lady who charged $500 was 45 minutes late, forgot to bring necessary supplies, and, while she was very sweet it was the sweetness of Karo syrup rather than honey--generic and overprocessed.
So ladies, how do you determine your rates in comparison to others in your area, and gents, how do you assess whether a higher rate is going to be worth it?