i always thought it would be cool to have a sort of stock photogrpahy co-op where the members were the ones receiving the profits.

Hi I'm new to the forums and interested in getting into micro-stock in some way.  I spent many years as a photo editor & art director & I know of a similar business model to the one you're thinking of Leaf.  It's run by successful photographers for photographers http://www.blendimages.com  They supply the major RM & RF players with content but don't actually handle direct sales.  It helps that most have been actively involved in stock for ages and are well connnected with the right people but the point is is can work.
Apparently Zoomr is also planning to get in on the business of licensing images so I think it's really interesting to see where the photo industry is heading as a whole.  Just my 2 cents worth!