Yes, it alleviates only part of the problem. But until this part of the problem is alleviated can we expect the rest of the problem to be resolved?

I believe many of the VM's have recognized the downward pressure on fees threatens their own business as well. Now they face the same delema we as abstractors face. By allowing their sales force to sell on price they created a price war that could bring down the entire industry. Many abstractors both new and seasoned followed their lead by giving in to this downward price spiral. In many ways we are as much to blame as they are. 

I haven't seen abstractors here leaving the field but I have seen this happening in counties that have made the records available online or sold them in bulk. We have also seen several VM's go under as a result.

Now that laws, court decisions, and public outcry are beginning to empower us, VM's and abstractors can work together to return this industry to a quality based product instead of a fee based commodity.