Absolutely agree with you there, and Bunyip's comment: She can divide and rule with hardly any effort made on her part at all
United we stand, divided we fall, and divided sadly is how things are feeling to me at the moment.
That's no great surprise I'm sure to many, with all the drip feeding and uncertainty around, we're all trying to 'save our businesses' in whatever way we can see future viablity, and this is where we're being/going to get divided.
I'm sure the majority of us feel that agencies are a fait accompli, and the uncertainty for getting work in the future is scaring the pants out of me!
There's a saying that has served me well in the past but that I am struggling with right now:
If in doubt, don't.
We need to stand together on remaining independent, but without a firm support network/association how on earth are we going to manage it?
Is ICSE the answer? I don't know.
Is it better than standing alone? I don't know that either.
Is my business going to still be here in 3 years time AND still be independent? Answers on a postcard please :(