This is a great topic, since it gives some insight from someone who's "been there." I agree that the sub should treat the lead VA as their client. Even if the "final" client never realizes that the work has been outsourced, as a sub MY client (the lead VA) knows who is doing the work and it reflects on me if it's done badly or not at all.

I would also like to start doing some sub-contract work, and I realize how difficult it can be for an established VA to trust a newbie. I've been on the receiving end of this problem in the corporate world where someone was supposed to do something and just didn't, so I can only imagine how much more frustrating it must be if it's your name on the line.