Just to put your post in perspective.

You probably KNOW that there's nothing really "Free" in life - especially in China!  there's no way that Ken or any other agents can continue working, maintaining offices at the Miraton, hiring on assistants like Xiao chen unless they do make some money

Basically these agents make their money from the rebates given to them by Saunas, KTV's, hotels, Taxi/private car drivers, massage places etc - in fact from EACH AND EVERY PLACE THAT HE TAKES YOU TO.

In most cases, these are rebates just like how your travel agents gets rebates back from the airlines and hotels for steering clients their way, and thus NOT out of line. OTOH, whilst MOST agents in CP are quite well known for being quite fair to their clients and they DO go out of their way to assist, there ARE times when they do add on a bit more - and thus it best that you and other readers here DO REALIZE that you are using their SERVICE and thus should know that you ARE paying for it.

Caveat Emptor...REALLY CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

Unfortunately, not many things in life is free  - especially guide services in China!!!

SEAJ