I read your "piece" with understanding and admiring what so many of you go through to scratch out a living going from gig to gig.
It doesn't cost a dime to dream. Maybe "miniaturization" is the ultimate answer... but that's one of those things we probably won't know during our lifetimes. Then you could "hit the Motherload" like Don Mason... who leaves his gear set up at Ernest's Restaurant (Elegant and Fancy) where he wows them on the weekends.

Best of luck to you... and for your dreams. ----Mayberry Dave