In an effort to return this all to the "playing backup" core thread as started, I'd like to add some glue to these disparate threads.

A good backup fiddler (or musician) can be worth their weight in gold at the right time to the right band. The one-shot session in the studio can turn into a tour, even with someone else who happened to overhear. Instead of trying to merely promote yourself, being able to promote and support the headliner could be a ticket to fame and fortune that you get to ride. While we get taught LEAD violin in class, the prize offered to the fiddler by most bands is BACKUP with the occasional solo, intro, etc. in a wide variety of genres. The juxtaposition of metal and acoustic instruments can be very emotional.

A key phrase that's come up by several different people is, "I don't want to be limited". Until this conversation, I was aware of my limitations but ignorant of what to do and seeking to be released from them. Different techniques for rhythm, percussion, and harmony have been discussed which all could help round out the musician playing backup as the needs of the pieces change. There's a lot of room for interpretation of taste when it comes to music vs noise, but that's the same for a lot of clashed styles. We may not WANT to be limited, but the truth is we are our biggest limitation. The desire to be "artsy" can limit our income opportunities. The desire to be "modern" can limit our audience. The desire to play this or that style limits our maximum potential audience. While adding tools to the toolbox enhances our versatility which both add to our personal satisfaction and economic potential, we must continually trade one for the other.

The relationship between time and money still factor in. The path of personal satisfaction and economic gain may overlap for a time. The happiest overlap them more often than not. However, our search for satisfaction may run askew of profit. Likewise, our need for income may outpace our ability to earn from personal satisfaction. 

In the end, if we don't have time to play, even for ourselves, because we're out working 90+ hrs/wk to keep a roof over our heads and keep our kids' bellies full, then even a profitable life may not be a good one. In the long run, it's better to have less money and be happier than to have more money and be miserable.