I've also only been asked for recommendations in similar situations or by men who want an appointment 'now' and I'm not available, almost as if they're petulantly saying "well if you won't give me what I want when I want, you can tell me someone who will and they'll get the money instead" and so I'll ask them what kind of lady they'd like to see and tell them they work the exact same way that I do (won't jump through hoops for a pain in the backside, require a decent amount of notice, don't want to be mauled for the entirety of the booking, stick to their boundaries etc).
Is that equally as snooty and aloof? Absolutely, but their reaction is worth it every time.
If there is genuinely an escort I know who is better suited I'd absolutely recommend them straight off the bat but I wouldn't give a nuisance client to a friend.