Reading this one thread about the black/death mix contest on the side right now... I think the problem translates to this one as well: Once you've settled on a low rate all you do is helping to devalue the market! Thus I'm always trying to get at least some money out of it. There's definitely no show below 100. Still if you think about it: Time for rehearsals, money for gear, recordings, van... It's just a joke that there is so little in it for the band!
Still I don't know how to break into the market without playing for cheap. I mean if you are really extraordinarily great it might work but lets face it - most of us aren't...