I agree that we shouldn't cut our fees on all cancelled orders.  I don't think I was clear on my original posts.  I will cut fees on cancelled residential orders for clients that I have a long standing relationship with (10-25 years).  But I will not cut my charges in all curcumstances.  I take into account what caused the cancellation and how often it occurs with the client.
On commercial searches, like Lisa, I charge a higher amount based on exposure.  If the deal cancels, I am ameniable to reducing my charges.
As I've mentioned, the vast majority of my work is for local agencies, and I feel comfortable that we are dealing fairly with each other.  Often, my clients have overpayed on searches to makeup for reductions in fees we have done on cancelled jobs.
Regarding the deposit made with the lender for fees, in Ohio the application fee only covers the lender charges, not the title or escrow fees.  I wish it did include us.
In Ohio we are at the high end of the charges for title premiums (5.75 a thousand).  I'm quite concerned with the idea that the federal government is looking at establishing fixed rates for transactions.  I'm sure the the fixed rate will be lower than what we are used to here, and the locals will be hurt worse than the national companies.  I just do not see the national title vendors as long term friends of the local examiner.  Doug