I have 12 self-published books, 6 historical novels and 6 nonfiction. I self-published out of choice. I agree with what you've said here. After talking with the wife of the man who wrote Winter's Bones (later made into a movie), she told me how he had 17 books out before that one and he still wasn't making any money. That's one reason I continue to self-publish. In addition, I have had a lot of positive comments about my book covers.