I don't have a problem with the normal price increase I have noticed. Over the past 3 years I have been on this board, I have seen a $250 rate go up to $300. That is a 20% increase over the three years. While my base salary has not increased that much, I also get benefits, pension, sick leave and more. This type of off the books compensation very much increases my apparent salary closer to what the increase has been for the hobby. Maybe more so (don't want to do the math).
IMO, while it is a market driven rate, it is also a service driven rate. If KK, AC or LL (or others - just using them as examples since they replied to this thread) did not provide as good a service as they do, their reviews would reflect that, affecting their client base and bottom line. They provide great services, so I don't have a problem with them asking what they do. Others apparently don't either.
Nola is a smaller market than Houston, with fewer providers. It is less about the competition driving rates, as it is service. In Houston, things are likely driven more by the sheer overwhelming number of providers available. There are more ladies to drive competition, which although the services may be equally top notch, numbers competition will drive the prices down. I don't begrudge the Houston ladies to charge what they do. Perhaps that is why many travel to other cities, where competition in numbers is less. That too makes sense.
Bottom line is everyone should stay in what they can afford. Not sure why a guy from Houston needs to mediate rate debates in other cities though.
Just my $0.02. Keep on providing ladies. I have not met you all yet. Milton