Right. In fact I'm in the process of getting the e Visa right now and they've improved their website since the time I did it last year. Took less than 5 minutes online.
In my mind your assessment is correct. I arrived into Thailand and then handled everything here with an agent. Got all the necessary paperwork and bank account opening and a nice visa stamp completed in under a day with no stress. I came to retire, not to generate extra work and I get no amusement in learning the intricacies of immigration. So an agent was perfect for me. Others have different opinions.... and more free time!
Definitely a good strategy. I became "recreationally employed" back in 2002 and passive income investing several years ago. So we're both reading the same book.