Higher payments.... Hmmm... Well, as I understand AC in a humble way of course, they are looking for hot topics, keywords that they can sell, accurate content in terms of complete style: title / keywords / sentence structure / "punch" / etc. They are there to make profit, more than anything else. So, if you have lots of "products (articles)" that's getting them pageviews and "clicks", they will offer you more. Even if you have just one article, but that is of exceptional quality, then you are Gold to them and you will get more than average payment if you are consistent. Wouldn't you do the same if you're in that position?
I also think that considering the present situation, $3 is a good amount for any beginner. Once you have, say, 100+ quality articles, their offer will also be between $5 to $8 or even more.
A clout 9 means Red is making them a lot of money through his quality content. Unless he has quality, he can't produce that many pageviews, would he? So stick around and get above, for example, clout 5. Begin by being above average and provide good content. AC is out there to make business profit, and you will be one of their provider. Sticking to in-demand niches will obviously get you the Partner's Calls from those niches.
Look at the top-providers and see what they are writing on. That will give you hints on how they are making their money.
Second, look for what AC wants and give them just that.
Third, there are still plenty of in-demand but untouched niches that you can concentrate on. AC will obviously be grateful to you! Now, finding those in-demand but untouched niches is up to you.
