I suppose I was thinking about those casual sitters willing to ‘tough it out’ due to maybe temporary accommodation issues, or maybe yes at times a few full time sitters who put together a puzzle of connected sits, one of which might be unbalanced in terms of equal benefits but works to connect up better more amenable sits. I think this thread has allowed the quieter more casual more hobbyist sitters to have a voice which has been quite refreshing to read. It’s also indicative of how much more ‘picky’ this group of sitters can afford to be? And so any or all barriers to sitting have a greater impact in that this group of sitters aren’t particularly wedded to sitting as a way of life so can pick it up or drop it when faced with the smaller wrinkles in the process. One ‘wrinkle’ for myself as a casual sitter is when HOs don’t reply within 48-72 hours having read my application. I disengage. HOs would do well I think to look at the level of disengagement or lack of follow through from casual sitters that they contribute to in at times seemingly very small ways. Or maybe it’s just me and I’m easily irritated 
I agree with you both @BonnyinBrighton and @Silversitters
When I read some of the horror stories and less than perfect sittings, I feel so lucky that, due to being very picky, we have been blessed with wonderful sits
100% agree.
If we read all the reviews from previous sits for each listing we apply to, and the reviews the home owners gave to those past sitters, this along with a video call should prepare us for a mutually beneficial sit for owners, sitters, and of course the pets!
If no previous reviews, then perhaps a more detailed video call, asking all the relevant questions about our own personal deal breakers, and making sure the owner knows what is expected.