It is sad but true - not only have these abstractors hurt the rest of us (temporarily) but themselves as well.  I know some who think lowering their prices is a great way to not only get busines but take it is well. They evidently do not have the confidance in themselves and their work to compete at an accepted rate.  They are only hurting themselves and you can tell when you hear them complaining they cannot afford to make quarterly tax payments, buy E&O insurance, and now, gas.