6-7 years working contracts have told me that the agencies (if they are any good)(not all are) are useful when you start out as a contract pilot. When you get to know the market you can in many cases make your own arrangements. I have done that too, and it works for me. It all depends on the situation. But I will work with both Parc and Storm again. Good hints, by the way, on
www.cockpitforum.com