You've heard of Darwinia right?
Dint sell very well tho did it?
I remember reading an interview with the author. They said it didn't make any money until they got it on Steam. Now apparently it's made enough money for them to self fund their next project, Defcon.To add to the original question though. I think only those indies that run everything like a proper business have any chance of financial success. And even then lots of hard work and a little luck is needed.