Although I have received great massages from both therapists & amateurs, I must say some of the BEST massages I have ever received were from women who were not professional massage therapists but real enthusiasts!!

Could just be what I have experienced, but I find that Therapists are usually fried from giving the standard massage and many want to rush the standard massage moving into the sensual part of the massage since it is out of the ordinary for them. As far as a true massage turning sensual as it progresses I find that I get much better from a true Amateur Enthusiast.

As long as I receive an equitable massage in exchange I have no problem with a professional vs. an amateur.  It's unfortunate that most professional exchanges i receive don't turn out that way for me; no, I am not that critical either.

There a 2 things needed for a good exchange, the skills and experience to give a good massage and the personality and likeability of the person you meet, both are needed for both people to exchange an enjoyable massage.Professional or amateur status is not really important.

I will say that sometimes amateurs make up in enthusiasm and energy what they lack in formal training, and I've met some pros who were formulaic rather than intuitive. I've also had unpleasant experiences with amateurs who somehow didn't understand that I wanted a massage, not a FWB. In the end, it all comes down to intention and execution.