I actually do see where you guys who defend the companies are coming from.
You know what, if I saw 5-10-15 of them, and I could bang them off the line I'd agree with you 110%. It's worth it, and that we don't see the potential, or understand how hard it is.
Look at it from my end, usually its 1 shop. I am in Canada, so part of its charm with so few people that mystery shopping isn't that big here. I am driving between points A and who knows what for my other jobs. Now it's one thing if I take a detour to do a shop worth say $20-$30+. I can see it being worth my while.
When I see under $10, and I know from experience with prep time, and data entry its over an hour. I just can't do it. Since I know Mr. Reality, and he has me booked once I get home from work with several dozen things I need to do.