There are people with large portfolios who are also describing things as grim at iStock, so it certainly isn't just you. However even at other sites, the outlook for small portfolios isn't great unless there is something really out of the ordinary. Are you thinking of dropping exclusivity?

Some people have branched out into video (where they can be independent) while keeping photo exclusivity at iStock.

If you read about other agencies here, you'll see that there are struggles to grow income everywhere

You can use video to simply get to know the other agencies -  their upload systems, forum support etc...

If you are starting out new with photos, your niches have already been taken by someone else and you will have to keep at it for at least 18 months to get to similar levels.

But if you love the freedom of working with many different agencies and also working with a few that take exclusive images, I don�t think you will regret it.

But if you have no time and can�t face starting at the bottom of the ladder again...then maybe just branching out with video might be enough to add more balance.

I love being free and would never go back to full artist exclusivity. But it is not for everyone.

since you are shooting with canon, you should have a look at the magic lantern "hack" - it really is a huge help (not just for video). I love the focus assist options for macro photography as well. The disclaimers are a bit scary but I think they are just covering themselves. I installed it recently and it works great.