How then should a customer select a contractor? First he or she should
educate themselves on the work that needs to be done. Then, calling a
few contractors is fine, and even getting three estimates is correct in
some situations. But indiscriminately wasting people's time is abusing
the system and it will put off the contractor who is perhaps the
homeowner's best bet.

"Even getting three estimates is correct in some situations?" If
someone has a legitimate job to do, there is nothing wrong with getting
3 estimates period. No one is forcing any contractor to come give an
estimate. And if someone is dumb enough to think they are doing the
contractors a favor by not getting three estimates, while most people
do, they can live with the consequences. Do you think the contractor
is going to give the guy that only calls for one estimate a break?
LOL