Having had poor experiences when starting out, I learnt that putting in the time doing the research paid dividends. And a site like this has proved invaluable in weeding out potential pitfalls. But.....I am usually a short-notice punter in a crap service provider area, and with very limited warning of free time. And then when an opportunity does arise, I ring the hot list candidates only to be told they are booked up when I am around. Sometimes out of desperation I end picking a long shot, and then regretting it afterwards if it hasn't rocked my world. Like you, I feel I've wasted the whole day at times.
So.....I've decided to use this site as a guide in future and only see recommendations made here. If none free when I'm free, I'll wait until next time.