I agree with much that you say here, but not this. I mean, you're right about the economics, but a novel and paying websites don't necessarily promise more money for more effort, as I can attest. There are probably a lot of us who aren't really here for the payout anyway, and that's all right. I had to decide a long time ago if writing what excited me or writing what the market wanted was more important to me. Those are the choices, not necessarily how well you do either (as you point out). But congratulations to those who love to write what the majority love to read and get noticed because you can have one job instead of a hobby and day job like many of us. But also congratulations to any writer who loves what they do whether anyone notices them at all, because your day is filled with joy.