I think Epoch might have been asked for a model release for one or two of our models, I can't remember.

You are correct that nothing in 2257 makes any reference to model releases. They are required only for your own records, to prove you have the right to use the images in case the model tries to claim you don't.

My guess is they are just trying to verify the date of production, and unfortunately the model releases are the only way to do that, but an unscrupulous producer could easily fake the production dates, so what's the point.

If this is Epoch making the request, I'm sure they are just doing so in anticipation of what Visa or their acquiring bank might require. I can't imagine they would do this if they weren't relatively confident it was needed... it's certainly extra work for them.

However... plenty of reasons to go with CCBill at this point in time