FWIW, I don't think you can compare LI now to what it was 10 or 15 years ago -- and it's not all about Covid.
This is just my opinion/perspective. But, looking back over my reviews/history -- it was common to get GFE/BBBJ for around $300 in 2013.
Now, prices notwithstanding (because that's not the main issue) - when you look at LI now, there aren't that many doing GFE/BBBJ for $300 -- Zoey, yes. Harley - more expensive (and issues). Compared to back then when agencies regularly visited; indies regularly visited; and there was still a host of local indies (I don't know that any are allowed to be mentioned, so I won't).
Mostly, I think it was overzealous LE that caused the indies to stop traveling here, as well as a perception that the LI market should be as prosperous as the NYC market (which it's not).
However, I'll add -- *since* Covid, hotel rates on LI have skyrocketed; so rates had to climb as well. Still, looking at online ads, the number of reasonably attractive providers under the $600-700 pricepoint (meaning in a nice hotel; not a car date) is tiny compared to what it was.
I'm sure there are still remarkable talents out there -- I hobby so little now, that I don't really waste my time hunting for unproven talent. But, in the last 4-5 years, my 3 regulars (ATFs) are all gone - one moved out of state; one retired outright; and one passed away. Now, I'd have a hard time finding three people I'd *want* to see on LI on a regular basis. :/
Again - just my opinion; I'm sure others differ; and I'm less involved than I was in the past year. This is just the quick eye test from me.