Hard to answer properly given the choice of responses.
I certainly won't book someone if I haven't seen a few pics before, whether they are put on a website or sent by email. However, it can take some time before a photo session can be organized. So, I can understand an agency owner wanting to put someone on the market as some hobbyists obviously don't need this. I'm sure most will realize that they restrict their potential demand while they have no available pics but if they can provide work to their SPs and get some revenues without them, it's their business.
Lion Heart