Fortunately for recruiters, they don't need "the man" anymore to "mooch off of" as you say. Half-decent ones can fly solo with just a few small things...

1. Outlook for email and database management
2. A mobile device to recruit from anywhere (blackberry, iphone, etc.)
3. A free add on that turns Outlook into an applicant tracking system (ATS) and syncs up with that mobile device. (http://recruitingblogs.ning.com/profiles...
4. Some skill/training with using social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) and Google or Bing for sourcing.

I did it. No more "moochin'" by the man off of me either. Now I keep 100% of what I earn.