I couldn't agree more. I started out earning a piddly pittance per article, but now I've built up a customer base that's based on always delivering high-quality work ON DEADLINE (so important). I used to hire some of my work out to other writers, but I had to stop because 90% of them weren't able to deliver by a deadline or they submitted awful, plagiarised work. So, being a writer that can write even moderately well and always meets your deadline, you're already leagues above the competition. I'm not clearing anywhere near $7K a month, but I am making a living.
Also remember to put some of that money to the side for taxes (U.S. writers) and for those times that are leaner. You also have to remember to get networking and get something out there to market yourself even when you're busy. You need to have your eye on future work as well as present work. I just sent out a newsletter. Just 8 of them. I've gotten callbacks on two of them within two days. They were specifically targeted. So I didn't have to do a generic mass mailing. We forget sometimes that people want things in print. So I provided something in print and got some great web writing jobs.
I would be happy with a constant influx of 10-15 400 word articles a day at .02 cents per word. My problem... I cant find consistant work! If I could be consistant I would be happy with 2k a month, even if I am working 8 hours a day extra. The golden question is "How do I find consistant work?" I have tried DP and elance. I just wasted money on elance, but have a couple of good paying clients from DP. Keyword, please tell me where to look to find clients. Not your $200 per project clients, but average clients looking for articles and such.
If you're looking for 2 cents a word, you'll find plenty of clients right here on DP. I am not big on bidding sites, but they seem to work for some writers, especially after they've built up a solid reputation on that site.