You asked about travel agents charging a fee to potential clients for planning trips for them. I know you asked this a very long time ago, but I hung onto it because I knew I'd seen someone charging planning fees, and I finally found it at Europe Through the Back Door. They lead tours through Europe, but will also help independent travelers plan their itineraries for a fee. I know they've been charging for at least 3 years:http://www.ricksteves.com/about/consulting.htm

Barb