Hi guys, I'm at a stage in life where I'm fairly unhappy in my current job, and now isn't the right time to start developing a game again (though I'm always watching for the right time!). So, I had a thought to start a freelance graphics design company, or to do something a little different.

I'll no doubt get hammered for putting this on here, but one of the ideas I had was to provide a service as a development consultant, who would test products and search for bugs, interface and usability issues, etc etc. (there are many things I could do) Most developers seem happy to create a bit of software, and then submit it to a community as if by doing that, they're getting good feedback on it. On this forum, I'd agree with people if they said the feedback they'd gotten on here was of a high standard. But, this forum is rare. I've purchased a fair few programs recently and have spent hour upon hour on forums creating giant bug-lists and feature suggestions (all well received) that it's become obvious to me things like beta periods with certain community members (and other such attempts at bug-hunting) just aren't all that effective. Sometimes, having a specialist cast a discerning eye over a project is much, much more helpful.

So, my question is, and ignoring how much this service might cost, would something like this be helpful for indie game developers? Obviously indie's don't have cash to throw around everywhere, and the issue of hiring other people (whether artists, sound people etc) is already quite difficult for most, so... that's why I ask. For myself personally, I already spend quite a few hours helping companies to develop their products into stronger, better working ones... and sometimes I think they should pay me for the reports I submit!