As a musician who makes my living from playing music I can equate to all points of view here, the chances are getting fewer to play (for me) being paid & obviously more for playing free. There is however one part of the industry that is thriving & that is synchronization for tv & film, its one of the last bastions where really making money is possible. Instead of crying over one's sort everyone should try & move with the times & search for new opportunities because they are there if you look hard enough & work hard enough to make it possible.