I have booked direct for years and have had several different consultants following retirements, etc. I appreciate working with knowledgeable consultants without going through an intermediary like a travel agent. My consultant has immediate access to inventory, rates, and the contract air availability. When my consultant is on vacation, I am referred to another consultant who seems very pleased to assist even though I am not his/her client. I know that I could get some perks by working through a TA. However, my experience with two (highly recommended) TAs was unsatisfactory.