Surprising some guys defend such awful service. Would you employ a builder who couldn't be arsed to answer the phone? 
Generally, No.
However, if regular members on here have PM'd me and recommended someone highly, I tend to play the patient game.
I do make the WGs aware that they came highly recommended, and that xxxx (with his permission) recommended her. There is no need to mention this or any forum. If pushed, I just say it is one of the forums and I can't quite recall which one.
The upside of this is that even if she has history of slow checking emails, late answering, etc, (like above) when she receives my text or email (text is my usual preference nowadays), there is a very good chance that I will get my reply back promptly, thanks to my network connection with UKP Members.
Conclusion:
For those that still lurke on here, make an effort to become a member on UKP, as networking does help.
For those that are already members, get some decent, helpful posts under your belt (not just enquiring ones), including a few reviews as well, so that you are seen as a genuine, reliable punter who has made a contribution to the Forum (esp East Mids Section) and then use the PM system to its full effect for contacting the regular posters.
Hope this helps.
