Getting a bit fed up with the way Adultwork seems to be up and down more than my kickers 

There doesn't seem be anything similar that is a viable alternative, there are a few grubby looking sites that seem to be trying to copy AdultWork but they don't seem very trustworthy. Everything else seems to be simple directories or classified ads.

It does seem that this business attracts a lot of chancers and scammers, usually men who think they can exploit us. Just wondering if perhaps we should look at building something ourselves that works for us without all the annoying things like punters being able to book without arranging it first. Does anyone think it is worth doing or am I just dreaming ?

You're not dreaming. It really is that bad. It's not the real clients that are the problem, it's the parasites and timewasters. I think most timewasters have no intention of ever booking, they regard it as some kind of sport.  The elaborate lengths they sometimes go to is incredible. There are also nervous clients who are indecisive as well, but they are not the main problem.

If someone could really build a new site then it would be welcome and probably successful to begin with. But there's every chance it would go the same way before long.

Despite having an ad there I hardly use AW. will get a couple of clients from there every month but that's about it.

Today I had  to invite someone "to leave". This tosser comes to my place (of course he got lost and called me 4 times asking for directions. Interestingly enough my place is a 2 minute walk from the tube station). First thing he does as he enters is start saying "I charge too much and he's willing to stay but only for half my fee". I (very politely) show him where the door is. I did gave him a speech before on what a messed up thing to do is waste my time (and his!). Now...this er "gentleman" had a huuuuge long list of great feedback from lots of women. All positive. All praising him what a great guy he was etc... Bullshit

And that's why I hardly use AW.