"It was more than broad," said one brokerage executive who asked not to be identified.

"Many major firms have not signed at this time," said the brokerage executive who asked not to be named.

The "ignorant public" position is a curious one to be taken by brokerage executives, who at other times give the public too much credit.

Several other brokerage executives reported similar increases.

Top brokerage executives acknowledge that there may be some erosion of their business, particularly in small office spaces.

"You could call four brokers and get four completely different prices," a senior brokerage executive here acknowledged.

"The soaring dollar clobbered the company's earnings," recalled the brokerage executive.

And it has granted $200 million in new options and other incentives to keep the brokerage executives from jumping ship.

That argument caused confusion among brokerage executives.

The Supreme Court will decide who should hear a discrimination case filed by a brokerage executive who lost his job.