Fee-only planners and investment advisors claim to hold higher ground, but in reality they do not. Likewise, the hourly planners still have an inherent conflict in that they must have billable hours in order to remain in business, therefore they have the same conflict that accountants and attorneys have. Its called bill padding, or making up work where none is needed. The funny thing is that accountants and attorneys are aware of their own conflict, but most fee-only planners are not. Fee-only holds no moral superiority, and no competitive advantage over other advice distribution channels.
Somebody has to pay something, to someone, someday.
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