Interesting to read your thoughts as always David.

For me self-publishing is part of a longer game plan.  I would, one day, like to make a modest living from writing.  I often joke about that bestseller that's going to make my fortune, but I know that's probably unlikely.

For me self-publishing is an opportunity to test the water if you like.  Put my writing and ideas out there simply and cheaply, whilst at the same time doing the day job that pays the mortgage and the other bills.

Now I know that I could do that simply on a blog, and I do post some of my work on my blog, but for "books" this really has to be a little bit more conventional.  E-publishing is but one method, but there are opportunities out there for conventional paper based self-publishing as well.  For the latter this also entails having an ISBN if you really want to "publish" your work, but one of my current projects will really only work in a "conventional" format.  It just won't work on a kindle.

I said that this is part of a longer game plan, and in that sense what I hope to gain by self-publishing are a few things.  Firstly a reputation, and an ability to demonstrate a demand for what I have written.  Secondly, a sense of satisfaction.  I think that's fairly self-explanatory.  Thirdly, confidence.  Knowing that when I approach an agent it is with something to back up those first few chapters, and that then might open up more doors in terms of translation opportunities, oh and of course that bestseller that makes my fortune ;)

Anyway, just my take.  Slightly naive I suspect, but I write because I enjoy it and at least for the time being something else pays those bills, and I won't have to pull a Lee Child anytime soon.