Well, I really don't care about an actual massage, but it is a good way to make the transition and build a level of comfort. I'm also lazy with giving massages, so really massages don't enter the picture in any real sense. I also hate oil and powder.
As for seeing escorts, I really don't enjoy sex (FS/BJ ) with a condom in general, due to the mental and senses barrier, so why bother seeing SP's. To find all my required criteria and someone who would go BB would be a major task and to me the acts are not worth the risk, no matter how small [to me or her]. That's not to say I wouldn't do it with my dream MPA, because I am weak, but I don't seek it out and it's not necessary.
There's more of an element of the unknown with MPA's in many cases. YMMV etc. The challenge and the anticipation upon repeated sessions of what may or may not become, as well as the ego stroke of such things as surprise DFK I think are a factor for many
I ain't no porn star by any stretch of the imagination and find FS can be too much work, so I prefer to indulge in foreplay type sensuality within the realm of hobbying. I'd much rather spend more time with acronyms like DATY and DFK [PJFF, RJ giving, PM receiving etc] than FS & BJ's anyway. It's just how I am.
I prefer the whole MP experience and for me it's all about the journey. So my reasoning focuses on that aspect. The "release" is secondary and in some cases almost inconsequential. In other words, I'd rather continue with the acronym at hand if time is fleeting.
Most of your options Kracker, don't apply to me, except that looks do count a lot initially in my decision as to who I see. Although looks can never be the sole factor, they do remain a primary factor, all other things being present in the mix ( chemistry, acronyms etc )
It doesn't really matter whether any of my perspectives are delusional, because fantasy is our reality, as much as we want it to be.
Also, it is easier to drop by an MP at will, especially by TTC, than to book even an incall. An outcall, if it were my thing, is right out of the question as it would cost me hotel $ on top. A massage table is better than my pull out couch.
Other threads on this :
SP vs MPA
Massage vs Escorts
MP to SP