It may seem petty and immature to us hobbiests, but this is a business and making a living to the providers. In that perspective, it could easily be viewed as a necessary tactic.
Originally Posted by ez2plz
You're correct that the hobby, at its core, is merely a business like any other. Due to the legality issue, aside from intervention from LE, it is a pretty good model for laissez-faire economics. The provider offers a service, and the rates are essentially dictated by market demands (quality of service, demand for the service, risk of the service, etc.). If a provider offers a poor service, then the customer will look elsewhere. Similarly, the provider has the right to deny a potential customer of service, for whatever reason. Good business thrive and poor business go bankrupt.
Both the provider and the client have every right to share their experiences for whichever reason they wish. This could be a poor service, an overpriced service, a good service, a good deal, or a dangerous situation. Everyone here should accept the business aspects of the hobby.
Spying on the clients is simply childish. If a provider wants to have a good reputation, she must earn it and maintain it. Similarly, if a client wishes to be provided with a service, he must maintain his side of the deal.