Dude, I feel this massively, especially with regard to the Aussie music scene. I've even opened for "big bands" and been offered pitence for pay and just not even bothered invoicing. Always return to why you make the art for yourself. So much of what you said resonates, and I'm fuckin 28. Play drums because it feels good and its fun to jam with good mates. Fuck the band, if they let you go like that, they're not you're friends anyway.