Benn Benn:
I'll skip the reason and just say I used to work for CIC, many of these guys are a joke, many could not make practicing real law. If you have an easy file then don't waste your money on one.
If you are silly enough to want to go with one then when they say you have to pay the last half of their fee when you get final approval make sure 100% what they consider final approval. It may seem obvious what it means but it might not be in all cases. Tell him you'll pay him the last half when you get your visa in your hands and see what he says. If he says anything but "ok" then worry.
Even if you don't have an easy file, just don't.
It all speaks for it selves, and an immigration consultant can not make up facts for you. You will have to provide them anyway. While you're doing that, why not just copy what it says onto your paperwork that you copied of the cic-site? Problem solved. If there is anything you just do not understand, write the embassy an email with your concerns. If they find something inconsistent, they will contact you anyway.
Anywho, I totally agree with you. You can't be cautious enough...