WitlessCanuck

To be fair the rates are as high as they are because they are averaged to how much a performer will generally make in a year. I think OP is a good example of that as most actors won't work a ton of projects in a year, if they have a good year they'll do 4-7 projects. Even stars to a lesser degree who do sometimes just one feature a year, or a TV appearance here and there. Though their rates are far exceeded as they are expected to shoulder the project and make sure it's successful.

However all the day-players and what not will generally make up what people working year round would. 30-40k if they're having a good year, less than 20k in a bad year.

There are often calls for casting on Craigslist, or other websites in your area that similarly allow larger scope. For a lot of budgets that vary they'll look in all areas, especially if they're looking for a certain type that is harder to cast for. (Minorities, certain age ranges, etc.)

You can also do a quick little look for BG (Background) casting services in your area. By joining a database/agency they'll keep your photos on file, along with your size, skin colour, hair, eyes, yadda yadda. All this is kept to see if you match what people might look like for reconstruction shows (docudramas on History/A&E that require remaking true events) or they'll bring you out for wide group shots.

Being a BG isn't fun all the time. For one, most don't like being called an extra, but prefer 'background performer'. A lot of people who do it for a living take 'extra' as offensive, which is almost always never said in that manner, but as you can imagine people can take their work seriously and are sensitive in regards to some things.

Anyway, check online with some quick searches. Then double check those agencies with further google checks to read anything that may be negative (as actors will tend to gossip if an agency is bad), and you should be good. Larger cities are typically the ones that'll utilize both Craigslist, and agencies frequently, and you'll get lots of indie films as well.

If you get a gig make sure to bring yourself a book, a phone charger, and a snack and drink. You'll most likely be waiting a lot, and you'll be bored. There will always be a 'holding' area for you as well where you can safely store your *stuff. Too many newbies to the industry come with nothing and end up going nuts.

EDIT---

NEVER PAY AN AGENCY TO JOIN! I'll repeat again. NEVER PAY AN AGENCY TO JOIN. Any legitimate agency will allow you to bring headshots, or request you get new ones made if they are not done to the correct specifications, but NO LEGITIMATE AGNECY WILL DEMAND YOU USE THEIR INHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER. Any agency that does this is there to scam. Do not join. Do not pay money. They make money by getting you work. Not by bringing you on to represent.

Do you ever just want to send Shaq a mixed tape of Backstreet Boys and some O'Henry's as a "How ya been buddy?" type hello?

You mentioned in your top post you've been receiving updates and emails from Rob. Have you and the rest of the cast been able to keep in contact the past few years? I imagine it was a bit difficult with Bell & Seyfried as their film careers sorta blew up but any chance you guys get together for drinks or dinner? (Similar to the famous Whedon Shakespere parties of Buffy/Firefly fame.)

Also, did you ever get to keep or borrow for a short period any of the vehicles you got to ride in the show? Some of those choppers/cars were incredible.

You also mentioned LoL and SC2, are there any other games you're deep in? Strictly PC gaming or do you rock the PS3/XBox?