Great post, Simmo!
I just want to add that diversification in who you promote is recommendable no matter how stable the industry in general is.
I am going to pick up some small programs with great reputations, such as inetbet and bodog, and send more traffic to some that have top notch affiliate programs, such as wager profits and slotland.
I will also check out some of the smaller Microgaming programs and sort through microgaming casinos in general.