are Bangkok visa agents necessary for retirement or not?

I'm getting ready to look at doing the retirement visa application and oh buddy there is so much conflicting information especially on FB groups. Any question you ask, you will get a dozen comments and private messages from people trying to sell you some agency services. I'm not opposed to an agency if that is the "standard" way but, I have been told that you can easily become stuck with that agent for 10+ years later because of their circumvention of the legal process!

Even if you qualify for the visa and have enough funds, I have been told that many agents will still do things the lazy way and just use their "connection" in the Thai Immigration to push it through.

So I would prefer doing the application by myself. However, on the other hand, I'm told that dealing with the 90 day reporting requirements and renewal process each year can become extremely bothersome and that's mainly why expats choose to use the visa agents.

My idea was to apply for the retirement visa by myself, do the bank by myself, but later use the agency for the 90 day reporting or renewal process, is this good thinking?!