F. Lee, probably the biggest downside I see in your proposal is that if I "buy in" to this LLC, my business is no longer truly "mine".  I'd lose a considerable amount of say in how I run my business, wouldn't I?

As it stands now, I make my own decisions as to what services I offer, the prices I charge, and so on.  Seems to me that what you're proposing is a sort of franchise arrangement wherein the LLC would set a uniform standard for pricing, services offered, etc.

Having researched franchise arrangements, I am not at all impressed.  They create the illusion of being an independent business owner, when in fact you're nothing more than a glorified employee.

Aren't you actually creating a bigger monster than the one you're trying to slay?

Scott