All of what you say is true. However, there are a large number of small and undercapitalized clients  which are cash poor, do not think beyond the next pay check and really do not give a damn about improving the state of the industry. Unfortunately, there are also a large number of abstractors out there who need the work, and are willing to take a chance on on these companies...not exactly a match made in heaven. Many of the abstractors who have been stung lack the financial ability to pursue collection, and simply acquiesce in having been screwed. It is my impression that their only recourse is an appeal to public opinion on this board.