A friend has just launched a free site that may have solved the rental equation in NYC -- www.nakedapartments.com

As a renter, you create an anonymous profile, which includes a free credit score range. 

Brokers who want to work with you then send you Offers. An Offer consists of a promised commission rate, listings that match your search and reviews of that broker. 

As a renter, you accept the Offers you want and decline the ones you dont. When you accept an Offer, you exchange contact information with that broker and start working with them. 

Renters review brokers, so you have sense of who you will be working with if you accept an Offer.

Anyway, I wanted to share the site with the list in case any folks are looking for apartments or will be in the near future.