We all need each other in publishing to make publishing work for authors in a variety of formats now and in the future. Anyone who thinks publishers don't bring anything to the table has a very narrow view and lack of knowledge about the industry as a whole.
We see a new generation of Russian authors who are not divided from their Western contemporaries either culturally or philosophically.
I have no problem selling ebooks for authors directly as an agent, but partnering with them is another matter.
In my view, the ebook world for both established and new authors is a terrific new and exciting format. It is a format that will bring forth many new writers to publishing.