You do have a point,but on the other hand with my experience,the lawyer appointed to me by the big firm is also competative and show results to his boss so works with the client assigned and also they will assign a lawyer who is appropriate in the matter.But I will agree your point also so its a grey area,depending on the lawyer and the client.
unfortunatelly I had some "clients" who were interested in being counseled, got their initial opinion and never paid.
LOL i do that also honestly,and usually take the attorney as a friend and go out for lunch etc and get my info:)But I understand your point but in poland I was invited to come and talk by a small law firm and then they told me to pay 400pln and if I retain them that will be adjusted towards the fee,next lawyer I called I asked her if it was a consultation or a presentation by her for the work she said consultation so I cancelled the appointment.I think it should be clarified before the appointment what is it so both parties know what they are going to meet for and what are my choices and what can he/she do for it.I dont think if thats an advice to be paid for or a presentation for the work they will perform.
Recently I had a envoirenmental settlement through a big law firm attorney hired by my insurance,after 6 months the other party refused to comply with the court ordered settlement.I called the attorney and he wanted to charge me 500$ an hour from me personally to pursue the case as it was a seperate issue for implementation and monitoring the court order,now I am fighting the insurance to cover it.I was glad that the attorney told me before hand that they will charge me and how much unlike the experience I had in Poland.