I came to this town 30 years ago as a full-time musician and things weren't really that bad...wouldn't want to do that now, though....
Frankly, I've found this town to be a rather difficult quality people who possess a few of what I consider essential characteristics: (JMHO)
a) great musical talent AND
b) not already working with another project, thus not enough time or resources to commit to another project.
Yes, it is difficult to find quality people. I have some friends that are absolutely number one in talent and personality. Unfortunately, they're still working in the groups they were in when I met them. Then, of course, there are the issues of:
c) agreeing on what constitutes 'quality' material, especially original material. By that I mean that so much of the original material that people bring to the table is, well...poor. But it's "their baby", crappy or not. I'd rather do cover material than BAD original, as if simply being 'original' is the Holy Grail of musical creativity.
d) geographical location. Yes, with time being the scarce commodity it is and Denver metro being as large as it is, a 50 minute commute EACH WAY can hinder getting together with people that otherwise might be a good match.
e) personal values that are just plain goofy. Oh man, don't get me started on that one. A, B, and C relate to this. Narrow-mindedness, myopia, or just plain ignorance with regards to having exposure or ability to play in more than just one genre' of music... Musicians often (mistakenly) pride themselves on their ability, yet have a limited musical 'vocabulary' or toolbox with which to draw on... Self-esteem so high that they have a false estimation of their own skills, or judge themselves so subjectively that they stay the same 30 years later..."Yeah, man...I've been playing for 22 years..."....when it's more like 2 years times 11...and I won't even get into the realm of individual political, social, or economic views...which are usually something that can be overlooked if the other attributes are there, but....it can be difficult to work with someone who's world-view is effin' crazy, by any logical analysis.
f) and of course, my own worst failing, not being tolerant of the weaknesses of others when I should be looking in the mirror myself. It's not enough to be talented, have a great musical vocabulary, a great ear, etc. Which reminds me that I have to work on the 'personal skills' on a daily basis. The personality factor has a lot to do with whether a project is worth it from a cost/benefit analysis.
Yes...this town is a tough one to find projects to work with on a long-term basis....