we have a good team of people to whom we funnel business.... and it's been like that for years....

The buyer/seller is advised I can only be as accountable to the extent that I am making the decisions.  If they want Billie Bob to do the pre-inspection and repairs, that is fine as long as the outcome does not become my problem.

Example: they hired folks to clean out the house and leave broom clean after they left. The garage was left with two shelves of old paint, none of which is in use in the house today. They are now in Philly, house is in Palm Harbor, and hazardous waste, and no access will prove problematic. It is my hope when the need to hire the electrician is in front of them, they don't go to Craigslist.

To answer your question, the buyer/seller is allowed to make their own selection and choices.

"Always," as you know is rarely true.

I think sellers and their agents are most concerned with escrow and title.  As a listing agent, I'd advise the seller to obtain a termite inspection right away. The buyer has the right to have their own additional termite inspection if they wish to do so.

Home inspection and home warranty are buyer's choice.

When representing a buyer, I don't ask for my title and escrow because they'll be countered right out. 

Title and Escrow - Absolutely, Home Warranty - if the Buyer wants the Seller to pay for it.

In our current sellers market -- the listing agent typically choose service providers(escrow, title, NHD).   

I think the buyers should choose the home protection plan since they will be using it.

Home inspector should be the buyer's choice since they will pay for it.

When I represent a seller --- I want to have a termite report -- the buyer can choose their own.  Since our California purchase agreement has "removed" specific termite language -- some listing agents include a report while others don't address it --- I like my seller clients to know upfront if there are issues.

As with all real estate -- it's open to negotiation.

We provide a list of multiple service sources based on personal experience

Oddly enough when I sold in NorCal it was never a battle, buyer chooses, no argument. In SoCal (the true wild west of real estate), we battle!

Since legally, per CA civil code it's my buyer's right to choose services (buyer pays a greater portion of escrow fees, seller pays all title fee) unless they elect to forgo this option, I always do when representing a buyer so they get great service & price from my team. The service experience makes a difference worth trying for I think. I usually fight for escrow and sacrifice title to the seller.

I have countered up to 3 times and won solely on escrow in the past.  In multiple offers I let it go, it's not the correct battle to fight on behalf of the buyer; unless they truly have an opinion on it.

With TRID, I will fight harder than ever though, as my buyers lender needs to be in sync more than ever with escrow. 

Some of these the seller picks, some the buyer.

As listing agent I'll voice my preference for closing attorney who has a solid track record and excellent customer service but the buying side can do whatever they want.

Not sure what you're talking about here.  I help the seller select services, like stagers, painters, and whatever it takes to get the house ready for prime time. But in this area it's considered a little rude for the listing agent to insist on a particular home inspector (anybody but Jay Markanich!) or title company.  If the seller is providing a home warranty, they choose, as they are paying for it.

Tony, this is very good question.