David,
Another very useful - and sobering - post. I've written three MSS so far. Two have been rejected via 'the traditional route' (with some nice comments, which spurned me on), the third is going through the submission process and I am about to start a fourth. At no point have I parted with any money for advice (except for a ticket to Crimefest last year) and nor will I do so. If only more people would take Stephen King's advice - read a lot and write everyday - instead of handing over their hard earned cash.
Shaun