I have for many years been of the opinion that this ONE change - albeit broad & definitely unpopular - would solve many problems:  with the obvious exception of premiums, change all 'percentage' fees to flat fees & all commissioned personnel to hourly-rate or salary.  Effectively, remove the incentive to manipulate the numbers from start to finish.

I don't expect to win any popularity contests with that, but it certainly would change the game drastically.  I could redeem myself a little, perhaps - with my second opinion, that if consumers were encouraged & educated to DEMAND a pre-close package (or, it was regulated as such) 24 hours in advance, the consumers who don't obtain legal counsel (and here in MI, few do) would have the time to at least review & list out questions.