If something does not make sense or won't work, the manager should say so, even if it loses income as a result. Take a look at the firm's office when you visit. You can often get a sense if the firm is running smoothly. As representatives of an independent firm, we freely admit our bias for independent captive managers those that are not a division of a broker or an insurance company. But it can't be denied that non-independent managers give good service.
Brokers make their money on commissions and tend to use captives as a defensive mechanism.
Additionally, unless the captive manager operates at arm's-length from the broker, you may not get unbiased advice about how your captive can be best utilized. An independent manager doesn't have to keep a parent broker or insurer happy. If you want what amounts to a bookkeeping service, the price should be low. Fuller services will cost more. Captive management is a competitive business and fees are usually in line with reality.