It has been over 3 years since I last used a travel agent in the U.S. (other than one time to purchase a domestic Mexican paper ticket when I already knew my itinerary & fare basis).

If I found one that was attuned to the the patterns of sophisticated travellers, I would willingly pay extra-- I just don't know how to find a good one. The few times I have tried to do something with an agent, I quickly realize I know much more about airfares, etc., than they do.