What are Home Buyers Really Thinking about Real Estate Agents?

Raincity Guides is one of our favorite blogs has a great post and alot of comments regarding a "Home Buyers Perspective". There is some good information in the post but as a very pro-consumer service, we are intrigued about where and what home buyers think of agents and the service they provide.

What is it that makes buying a home so confusing that buyers feel they must us an agent? Could it be just emotionally difficult and the agent is really just a sounding board to insure the decision you are making is a good one? Do home buyers use agents just for encouragement or is there real value being provided. Home buyer let us know what you think and what would make things "perfect" from a buyers perspective.