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Yeah it's definitely a seemingly possible goal now for a lot of people disillusioned with their current jobs, once you've done a week crash course, on paper all you need is a good sized shed with basic hand tools, some kind of jig, a torch and if you have the money some kind of machine tooling (lathe / mill etc).
I've debated building a jig for years and having a crack at it but realistically what would set me apart from the countless others? A snazzy logo / brand name / paint job? Probably not the right attitude to have when debating a new career admittedly.
Not that I'm complaining about new builders, a rising tide lifts all boats and competition definitely brings out the best in people. I don't really know what my original point was but like you say, only the fittest will survive.
MBroady-
Even jigs are available off the shelf now. There's is basically become a prodessional frame builder in a week starter pack now.
Tubes and lugs are available from ceeway and unpainted frames look almost identical.
The only variation is the quality of finish and tidying. Which is all time and experience.
That was the reason Tom at demon frame works carves his own lugs.
It takes him 150.hours per frame. And that's why he charges what he does.
It's harks back to the day when branding was not allowed on racing bikes. So builders such as hetchins would create fancy curly wurly lugs to make them distinct even wobbly chainstays.
wildwest
Tom donhou has spoken about making a few frames and being a frame builder.
It's very hard to turn a craft into a career, brand and product.
With people now doing such boring jobs it's tempting to Jack it all in and sign up to a frame building course at dave yates, enigma, reilly, downlands or bicycle academy. Even geoff roberts does one to one classes.
The increase in builders has only increased the craftsmanship and only the fittest will survive. People like Tom at demon donhou and Ricky feather are now leaders of the small industry.
There is almost a craft beer feel that it's all getting too much now.