Mike, yes, thank goodness, that story describes a very rare kind of event. But I do run into various flaky, mean-spirited, neurotic, and otherwise strange people -- just as in any business. In particular, the assertive/persistent posture you sometimes have to take to get through "Cerberus" at the front desk can be a turnoff to the guard dog herself/himself, and if the guard dog has power (formal or otherwise) s/he can make it difficult for you to get booked or rebooked. This is why an agent would be such an asset. Not only is a good agent good at this, but if the agent alienates a prospective client, the bad feelings are dierected at the agent--not necessarily at the performer. The question is, though, will a good agent work for what you can afford to pay them?

Genie