Michigan also has been going through another boom period with O/G and I have lost a couple of abstractors because of it, but because we work as a network, one of my regulars can usually recommend a NEW regular that they trust and whose work ethic they can vouch for.  I've been in and out of the O/G business myself -- went to PA for over a year, leaving Argent in the hands of spousal unit and employees.  Not fond of the work, but as some of you have said, O/G companies pay their bills regularly and on time.  I have picked up O/G work in my neck of the woods in Michigan for short projects just to keep my hand in it. 

Residential work has picked up big time for us (no idea why....there are all sorts of guesses, but who really understands our part of the economy right now) and I'm hopeful that no one else will feel the need to jump ship.