Art -

This is just my opinion, but during slow economic times, companies are
more likely to hire contractors (temporary help) and this usually means
you go through a 'Recruiter', that is, get hired by a consulting firm who
recruits you.  Often these companies also recruit for regular jobs as well.

A Recruiter often is better connected and has a relationship with their
clients, and some companies do it only this way, this means some jobs
will will only be available that way.  Other companies don't like
shelling out the big bucks for this and apply that money to salary
so as to attract a bettter qualified applicant.

As I recall, you live in Oregon and the economy there is not very 
energetic.  My best advice is to look for a job elsewhere, which I 
think will be a better decision than laboring over whether to use 
a recruiter.

If you have a job now, try to keep it is my advice (and hope your
boss does not subscribe to this list)  ;->

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