Hmm Loopy just read your thread. I agree in an ideal world would be good, but would you like to go to some of these countries on your own without the backup of the Agency, as the previous reply said there are good and bad dont judge them all as bad . Imagine being in a country where they dont pay your salary, lock you up for doing something that was nor your fault. Granted some agencies will say tough mate,,, but the good ones will stick by you. Personally if I was going to some of these dodgy countries I wold prefer to have the back up of an Agency. Thats my thoughts for what they are worth........