SASless has a very good point, and it is quite simple - the only reason the customer has so much control is because we let them. It's no different on the oil patch in N Alberta or anywhere else - no matter how many times people try to set a decent rate, there is always someone who undercuts. Having said that, there are at least 3 companies I know of who set a decent rate and they are still in business.
s76heavy also makes a good point about keeping the job.
Reality!
Phil