I'm one of those providers who asks for a physical description. If the references don't remember, no biggie. I just like to ask so I know who's showing up at the door. Is it required? No. Appreciated? Absolutely. Either I, or my assistant typically says thanks in the request letter, and occasionally I go back and say thanks so maybe not everyone is getting thanked afterward and if so, my bad.
I wouldn't request a picture from the guy. First, I don't need it to be that specific, but also-- there's no guarantee that the guy who signed up for the profile on P411 (or wherever) is the one who's actually requesting the appointment. Maybe I'm just paranoid (I likely am) but I do like to include that
But like I said, no biggie if they're not remembered.
Now as far as the rest-- the car, the house, the clothes-- eh, whatever. Most cases I couldn't even tell you if you asked me for a reference.
And when it comes to the extra info-- I think it helps to go beyond "he's good to go", that is, if you remember, because there's guys who aren't creeps but do push the boundaries a little bit, or are a bit eccentric, or who tip really well and so when that gets passed down to me, I'm a little bit more lenient if time is going more than my usual over.
And if I have offended anyone here with my reference requests, or not saying thank you, I apologize. Except for one or two ladies who were really exceedingly abrasive right off the bat to my requests. They can go suck a cactus. Giving references aren't required at all-- but you don't have to be rude about a polite request.