What do those brokers do for that commission?

In a recent article in the NY TIMES, the topic of commissions came up. Now I wont be planting flowers, but going the extra mile is always required with any sale, be it 300K or 30 Million.
Granted the 300K apartments tend to need more work!

By HOPE REEVES
Published: March 30, 2008
IN any real estate market, the question is asked, in voices both low and loud: What exactly do those brokers do for their 6 percent commission?
The wondering seems especially relevant now, when both buyers and sellers are tense, not knowing if prices will continue their upward move or if they are headed down.
On a typical sale, the broker gets 6 percent of the sales price, with 50 to 75 percent of this amount going to the broker or being shared with the broker and the company representing the buyer. The remaining 25 to 50 percent goes to the company representing the seller.
The broker’s part of the commission isn’t just gravy; it is used to cover some of the selling expenses. “Our agents pay for things a lot,” said Pamela Liebman, president of the Corcoran Group. “Being an agent is really running your own business, and if you’re not willing to invest money yourself, you’re probably in the wrong business.”

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/realestate/30cov.html?_r=1&oref=slogin