I'm actually with Beezy on this one to some degree but I do see your point obviously.
I'm a target domainer. Like most here, I purchase domains based on a set of criteria that I've set myself (is there an exact domain with a lesser extension as a website, are there at least 3 other websites where my domain would be better eg ThingyOnline.com and I own Thingy.com. If it's keywords, are there ads in Google etc etc). I've met domainers that own hundreds of domains that they bought basically because they liked them, they did no research beforehand, or they think they are jumping on the bandwagon of 'the next big thing' (think of the Virtual Reality thread here as an example!). And they wonder why I sell 10 X the domains they do.
Really, I see no difference with brandables.... was the domain a former (failed) website with existing traffic... do I read the tech websites every day and know what the latest buzz words are... do I watch the newly funded startups... etc etc.
The point I'm making is: Whatever the brandable domainers set of criteria are can greatly sway his sales rate in the same way as the target domainer.
Michael has often referred to buying his domains based on a set of criteria, so he has done his homework and is reaping the benefit. To demand that he supply you with the benefit of his 4 years brandable experience is a little unfair. There is no conflict of interest, it's his/Margots business and they are allowing us the opportunity to also offer our domains to their clients (for a fee). To remove this 'conflict of interest' everyone is talking about, they would have to remove us!
Using Michael as an example of a successful brandable domainer is difficult because I haven't sat and analysed his set of criteria and have no idea what they are, but a really obvious example are the 4 letter brandable domainers, they too are outselling everyone else.
I also agree with you on the 'it's a numbers game' comment, just as it is with the target domainer.