Scott L:
After all that has been said, let me throw my five cents in. After 35 years in this profession, one thing stands clear for me. Once you are established in a community it is very important to charge uniform prices for your services.
Regardless of their decision, people will respect you for it and value your self worth in a professional manner. All those gigs that you lose because people are not willing to pay your price, are more than
offset by those that do. Because the moment the word gets out that you are willing to bargain for your services people will expect you to do better for them every time; and ultimately you will end up working for "peanuts"; they will be under the impression that you are in dire need of the work. You may not work as often as you'd like, but then again, is time you could use for other things that are important in your life.
At 60 years old I am picky about my gigs and I refuse to work for less than what I think I am worth. I could be working twice as much as I do now but I don't want to if it is unpleasant work for me and don't pay me what I feel am worth. I also understand that many folks in this business don't have that luxury, but if you want to be happy at what you do and make a living at it, then this is what I recommend to anyone.
Once you prove your worth, let the community know it and they will gladly pay for it, almost always.
Good giggin!
Mario