Seems like most of the full-time builders 1) have decades of experience, 2) are building the best quality frames the world has ever seen and 3) are charging $3000 to $10,000 per copy.

I suspect anyone who can't claim at least two out of those three is going to have a nearly impossible task. We've seen an awful lot of folks get into the business and then get back out after a couple of years.

I've been building for four years now, and while I build decent, functional frames, they're not nearly to the level of a top builder. At most, I could see building an occasional frame for a friend or local club rider and charging no more than $1000. IOW, a hobby that pays for itself and maybe allows an occasional upgrade in tools or equipment.

<edit> In re-reading the OP I note "It seems to me the current state of the hand-built market is artesian centric that serves a fairly affluent segment where only those with exceptional talent coupled with extraordinary artistic ability are able to survive."

This is exactly right, IMO. And "survive" is the operative word. I'm friends with a "top name" frame builder, respected as among the very best, and after decades of living at the poverty line, he's decided to pack it in. He figures some menial manufacturing job will be more money and a lot less work. He'll be a nobody, but at least he'll be a nobody with a decent paycheck.

In that light, I can understand framebuilding as a hobby that can supplement a real job, but anyone who is getting into it as a career should have his head examined.