Bengaluru property: Can brokers actually get better deals?

The 'direct from builder' myth is total BS in Bengaluru, especially for projects like LGCL. I'm buying a 3BHK near Domlur. Brokers promise better deals, saying they have 'special allocations' or 'developer tie-ups'. Is their commission (usually 1-2%) worth the negotiation leverage they claim to have, or is it just another headache added to the already complex process? What's your real experience with brokers for new projects here?