Interesting discussion, but I am going to disagree with you on a few points.

My experience has always been that my clients, who are professionals, want quality title work.  In Massachusetts attorneys certify title & no-one I have ever worked with has dropped me because of copy fees or title fees.  I have had to sit down  from time to time & negotiate with clients who want flat fees; but it was done in good faith  & with the understanding that no-one was profiting unduly on either side.

The companies that provide equity line services directly to banks or even mortgage title services directly to banks might want to go for the lowest possible price point but as I remember that has mostly worked out to be a bad deal (Fiserv/BOA/QuickClose).

I've been in this business since 1975 & have been listening to *the death of this industry* comments since about the time photocopiers arrived in the Registries.  When computer access arrived; the death knell  was tolling & Armageddon was predicted to be *any day now*.  Meanwhile, my clients (the professionals) who want a professional product, delivered in a timely fashion, with zero mistakes, AND a check of probate, equity & divorce records which are not available online continued to order title after title from me. 

It is true that anyone can go online & figure out the system-- it isn't rocket science- BUT I cannot visualize any reputable law firm putting their own malpractice & their own financial future on the line to avoid paying  photocopy charges.  They might decide to go with another reputable examiner who will eat the charges; but a wholesale rush to hire *examiners* who can do rundowns for $15.00 flat will probably never happen unless they get total indemnity from the title insurers (see Fiserv/BOA/Quickclose above) which, is never going to happen.