i have heared many horror maid/nannies stories, but i dont think that a maid would do something horrible if you treated her good; like i have heared of a nanny that was beaten by her sponser and she retaliated by putting their 4 months old baby in the oven when they were away from the house. at the same time you must not be too nice to them, because then they will take u for granted .. in other words treat them like a decent human being, as you would treat anyone else in your place of work , but dont let them get too comfortable, i'm talking out of experience, i moved to the GCC with my canadian values and i am used to treating people with respect and kindness regardless of their job, but my maid took me for granted and started telling me that she is sick everyday and i ended up doing the house work and paying her for nothing ...lol...

as far as wages are concerned, see the maids came her on a contract knowing that they will be paid 600 R/ mnth and she agreed to that because that amount of money will give her and her family a better life style in her home town...just like any other expat. now if you as a sponsor want to reward her with more money its all up to you, if you make the money then why not share it.
and i would have to agree with Bigdaddy .. i will not bargain with my baby's nanny or daycare..i wouldn't risk that...i would not mind paying 3000+ R/mnth as long as i know my baby is happy and well taken care of.

cheers