Originally Posted by Unregistered

You seem to have the wrong idea of what an independent researcher does. Independent researchers don't just receive work and then go off and do it alone. Before an independent researcher can even start actual research, he/she will have to apply for the research contract, assignment or grant. This will require networking to even find out about the opportunity and then there will be endless rounds of presentations, discussions and proposals. Sometimes, an independent researcher (depending on the field) will also have to approach third parties for sponsorship and funding. Research money doesn't fall from the sky. All this requires a lot of interaction.