Euphoria and XO had 2 things that others may not have. Clients/Former Clients becoming owner. James and Sam already knew lots of the girls because they had met them, they had there trust. They had a solid line up to start with then built (and its all deserved) a great reputation with both clients but also escorts, wich bring new escorts and this is how they became the behemot that they are today.
If Absolu Copine had trouble recruting, then nothing they could really do. No matter there website or else.
Personally i find it sad that it failed (so far). I mean more agencies and more girls is always better for us the clients. As long as said agencies/owners are great ones to both us and there girls obviously.
As for the pictures, i think most agencies at the moment on merb have great ones. My soft spot is personally for Euphoria, they have a simplicity to them yet look glamourish, its hard to explain. But Unicorn also has great pics, XO too. And i understand what you guys like in the MM pictures, i agree they are very close to reality and the way they use the mask instead of blurry face for most girl make it easier to imagine the facial look.