I found SA to be more helpful at the fair itself, and I agree with you about vague emails that get increasingly more vague with each question you ask!

Once at the fair and I was able to access my advisor and indeed the others as well they were always forthcoming with good advice and information, almost to the point of over-helplful at times. They certainly were accessible and available, and some candidates did take full advantage by using them to help negotiate with prospective schools. Then again some of my friends barely spoke with any of the SA staff and still came away with jobs. Swings and roundabouts!